Henry "Junie" Joseph Smith

Just a few weeks ago, an important book in the history of Buchanan came to a close. You may not have read this book but, if you ever lived in Buchanan, you most likely had a hand in writing it. On June 1, that gentle breeze you felt was the soft, subtle closing of the last chapter of the book that was Henry "Junie" Smith. Junie was as a much a fixture in the town as the old school house or the drug store. And his story is worth knowing. Junie was 82 when he passed away quietly and peacefully. When he was born in 1935, doctors delivered a dire prediction: that he wouldn't live to adulthood. Born with cerebral palsy, medical experts recommended he be placed in a home for the handicapped. But his mother, Edra Smith, knew better. His body may have been diseased but he had the strong, hardy DNA that had sustained her family through good times and bad. So Junie was going home, wrapped in a baby blanket and a mother's determination. It was not an easy life. He eventually learned to crawl and then to walk. But his strides were always hampered by his disease and required the use of a walker. He couldn't speak clearly and was difficult to understand. But he could communicate. There was no mistaking whether he was full of joy, sadness, love or anger. His sisters, Betty Ann Hall and the late Phyllis McDaniel, and his brother, Ken "Bud" Smith, understood him; along with his numerous nieces and nephews. They loved him and cared for him with ferocity. And Junie thrived. Over the ensuing years, Junie became one of the best known citizens of the town of Buchanan. He and his mom ran a little store out of a side porch on their home, selling everything from penny candy to fresh eggs - perhaps the first convenience store for the town. But his true claim to fame was his cherished John Deere tractor. It gave him mobility and an income. Neighbors would slip him a few dollars to mow their lawns - whether it really needed it or not. Often he'd just perch on that tractor, sitting in his driveway on Lowe Street, watching the cars go by and throwing up a hand to wave. Or he'd crank the engine and zip up to visit with his favorite circle of friends - the volunteer firefighters of Buchanan. Those firefighters showed great kindness to a man who would have loved to climb upon the truck with them but couldn't. Junie mowed the fields that are home to the July 4th carnival. He rode the John Deere in the July 4th parades - once as Grand Marshall. It was hard to separate the man from the tractor. Some may have looked at Junie and felt pity for his crippled body. But his life had purpose - among many things, to bring out the best in others. People stopped to chat when they didn't really have the time. People helped him out without the appearance of charity. Junie did that to us and for us. So we are all etched in the story that was Junie Smith. Now that chapter has closed. But Junie is continuing his story in the Book of Life. He was walking upright when he saw his mother waiting for him. He spoke clearly when he greeted his sister Phyllis. And he sings with the voice of an angel. A memorial service will be held for Junie on Saturday, July 14, at 6pm. Visitation begins at 5pm. Please come by the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home. His family would love to hear your stories about Junie. We know his voice will come shining through. Those wishing to make a contribution, please consider the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department, the Buchanan Baptist Church Building Fund, or a charity of your choice.