Wayne LaVerne Smoot, 73, passed away October 22, 2016, in his home, after a valiant fight against Leukemia. He resided in Suches, GA but was born and raised in Yorktown, VA. LaVerne graduated from York High School then received an Economics degree from Lynchburg College. He was an executive for Travelers Insurance Company for 35 years, including the Constitution State Services LLC. This position allowed LaVerne to travel around the entire U.S. After retirement, his passion for traveling and assisting others continued as he maintained a position with the Catastrophe Team for 15 years. He was on site to help with relief in New York for 6 months after the 9/11 tragedy, and New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. His compassion and desire to help others was paramount. LaVerne was adventurous and had a zest for life. Some of his favorite activities were hiking in Alaska, scuba diving in the Caribbean, skydiving, and motorcycle riding. LaVerne, and his wife Jerry, loved to travel. The Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Jerusalem were among some of their favorite destinations. His love for the outdoors led him to build his beloved log cabin in the mountains of Georgia where he and Jerry have lived for the past 14 years.

LaVerne is survived by his constant companion, soulmate and wife of 51 years, Jerry, two beloved daughters, Tamara and Renae and five grandchildren, Taylor, Toni, Kaitlyn, Casey and Abigail, his mother, Aldredge Smoot and brother, H.L. Smoot (sister-in-law Vivian).

There will be two memorial services. There will be a service Wednesday, October 26, at 11am at St. Francis of Assisi in Blairsville, GA. On Saturday, October 29 there will be a service at Zion United Methodist Church in Seaford, VA at 2pm.

In his honor, donations in LaVerne’s name can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) to continue the fight in curing blood cancers. Donations of lifesaving blood and platelets to your local American Red Cross would also be appreciated. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com