Xenephon "X.M." Monroe Smith

Xenophon Monroe Smith, 95Xenophon Monroe "XM" Smith, 95, of Starke passed away on October 15, 2016 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Tattnall County, Georgia on October 21, 1920 to Hauston and Beulah (Anderson) Smith. Hes survived by his wife of 73 years, Iva Bolden Smith; sons Barry D. Smith of Ohio, Michael M. Smith (Susan) of Cedar Key, and daughter Terri L. Smith of Starke; his granddaughter Kari Smith Bastow (Matthew) of Chiefland and two great-granddaughters, Grace Caroline and Savannah Maria (the two loves of his life.)XM graduated from Quincy High School in 1940 and was a standout on the football team receiving a partial scholarship to play college ball. After high school, he began work with the Seaboard Airline as a telegraph operator. Soon after, due to his proficiency in Morse code and telegraph operation, he served in the US Navy during World War II aboard the LSM 305 as an air radioman. While in the NAVY, he enjoyed boxing among other sporting activities. After serving four years in the Navy, he returned to the railroad (SeaBoard Airline, Seaboard Coastline, and CSX) for a total of 44 years. During those years he was employed as a telegraph operator and station agent in Withla, Centerhill, and Homestead. He was then transferred to Attapulgas, Georgia, and finally to Starke where he finished his railroad career. XM was an avid Gator fan, and attended his first Gator game in 1930. He spent most of his Saturdays either in the stadium, listening to the Gators play on the radio, or in later years glued to the television. He often reminisced of the early games and the Spurrier years. After retirement, XM and Iva loved to travel in their motorhome and joined a camping group called the New River Ramblers. They traveled the lower 48, to Alaska, and Canada spending months on the road. He loved to make narrated VHS movies of their travels and was seen on numerous occasions with a cassette player hanging from his neck by a piece of railroad twine. His family enjoys looking back on some of those funny moments. XM loved to sing and grew up signing around the piano as his father played. He continued the love of singing all of his life and passed that love on to his family. XM had tremendous love for family and friends and looked forward to the annual family reunions held at the familys cottage, "Ohsohomey" on Lake Santa Fe, and in Georgia. He often told stories of his childhood in Johnstons Corner Georgia, which according to G-Pop was uphill both ways, working the tobacco fields for his grand-parents. He was extremely proud of his Southern heritage and enjoyed genealogy. XM was of the Methodist Faith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hauston and Beulah Smith; sisters Dell Smith Murray, Techla Smith McGriff, Trellie Smith Cheshire; and bother Hayden Smith.Services for Xenophon M. Smith will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel with Mr. Billy Nix officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00am, with service following at 11:00am. Interment will follow at the Crosby Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 Northwest 90th Boulevard, Gainesville, Florida 32605. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, FL 32091. (904) 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com Service Tuesday, October 18, 2016 9:00 AM - Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke 620 E. Nona Street Starke FL 32091 US (904) 964-6200 Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke 620 E. Nona Street Starke FL - 32091 US (904) 964-6200