FARMINGTON —  Everett “Butch” Harold Smith, 78, a loving husband and father, resident of Jay, passed away Thursday, March 16, at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

He was born on March 24, 1938, in Wilton, the son of John Smith and Doris (Ross) Smith. He attended school in Jay. Butch served in the U.S. Marine Corp from Aug. 28, 1956 to Aug. 25, 1958. He married his longtime companion, Joyce E. VanDine, on March 23, 1997, they were together for 31 years.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator in construction, retiring in 2008. Butch especially loved his family, and he enjoyed, hunting, fishing, cooking and gardening, he also loved music, and was a former band member of the group The Midnight Ramblers. He was a member of the AMVETS Post 33 and the VFW Post 3335 of Jay.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce E. Smith of Jay, three daughters, Laura Varney of Norway, Cheryl Smith and her husband, Brian, of New Portland, Teresa Sheedy and her husband, Dan, of Poland; one son, Darrell Smith and his wife, Rachele, of Norway; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, Beverly Cox and her husband, William; and his brother, Maurice Smith and his wife, Julie, all of Jay.

He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Arnold, Phillip and Jack Smith, two sisters; Myrtle Allen and Inza Stanley; stepdaughter, Nicole Cox; stepson, Stephen York; and a grandchild, Brett Gould.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.