09/21/2025
Dennis Smith
July 12, 1953 - September 20, 2025
Edward “Dennis” Smith, age 72, of Elba, Alabama, passed away on September 20, 2025, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. He was born on July 12, 1953, and lived a life marked by determination, talent, and a deep love for family, friends, and the game of football.
Dennis attended Elba High School from 1968-1971, where he quickly made a name for himself as a standout athlete. Dennis was honored as an All-South Alabama Conference player during both his junior and senior seasons.
In 1971, during his senior year, he led the South Alabama Conference in rushing yards-finishing with 855 yards and an impressive 10.2 yards-per-carry average in the regular season. He also led the conference in scoring. In addition to football, he excelled on the track and baseball teams, embodying the spirit of a true multi-sport athlete.
After high school, Dennis continued his football journey at Clemson University from 1971-1976. He began as a wide receiver on the freshman team before being moved to the defensive secondary his sophomore year. Although redshirted due to a shoulder injury, Dennis came back stronger and, by his junior year, was thrust into a starting role. In just nine games that season, Dennis led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with six interceptions. In 1974, Dennis was recognized as Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performances against Georgia Tech and North Carolina.
After graduating from Clemson, Dennis returned home to south Alabama and began a career in recreation and public service. He served Opp in that role until 1980.
Dennis then accepted a position as Recreational Director for the City of Elba, where he played an instrumental role in helping the city secure a grant for the construction of Hawkins-Williams Park. During his time as director, Dennis coached numerous youth sports and, from 1980-1981, also volunteered as a coach for the Elba High School junior varsity football team alongside Mike Carnley.
He remained with the City of Elba until the early 1990s. Afterward, Dennis turned his lifelong passion for farming into a full-time pursuit.
In 2019, he was inducted into the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame.
Dennis will be remembered not only for his athletic accomplishments but also loyalty to those around him. He enjoyed being a father but found a greater love in being a grandfather. As a friend, Dennis was loyal, dependable, and always willing to lend a hand. Whether sharing stories from his playing days, helping neighbors with a project, or simply enjoying a laugh, he loved fellowshipping with others. Dennis’s legacy lives on in the friends he cherished, the family he loved, and the community he supported. His life was a testament to hard work, perseverance, and generosity of spirit.
Visitation will be held at Hayes Funeral Home on Tuesday. September 23, 2025 from 5-7:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Whitewater Baptist Church Cemetery following a private committal service.
Survivors include father Arthur D. Smith, Elba, Al, wife Jan Y. Smith, Elba, Al, daughters DeAnn S. Grantham (Neil), Elba, Al, and Alison S. Bradley (Zach), Troy, Al, grandchildren Parrish, Asher, and Olivia, brother Dean Smith (Pam), Elba, Al and nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his mother Audrey Wicker Smith and daughters Meredith and Elizabeth Smith.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elba High School Athletics and Future Farmers of America Programs in Dennis’s memory.
