Rev. Ervin Devero Smith, 87, of Ellabell, GA, died on October 28, 2024. He was at home with
his family, and although his death was unexpected, his transition was peaceful. Born in
Americus, GA, he was the son of Carlos D. and Elizabeth (Thigpen) Smith. Ervin graduated
from Savannah High School. Following high school, he pursued a dual vocation in ministry and
law. He served in the Army National Guard and held the position of chaplain for the American
Legion for many years.
In 1974, he married the love of his life, Gloria. Their life together was marked by a deep union of
love and compassion for others, as they ministered to numerous congregations throughout the
surrounding area.
Ervin life’s work was dedicated to bringing the gospel of Jesus to all he encountered. He was
saved as a young boy, and upon receiving the call to the ministry, he devoted himself to it
wholeheartedly. After retiring from full-time ministry in 2013, he began working with Truckstop
Ministries, continuing to serve the Lord and others through that ministry until his death.
A member of the Masonic Order for over 65 years, Ervin was also affiliated with the York Rite
and the Scottish Rite for more than 50 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, C. B. Smith, and his sister, Lottie Lariscy. He is
survived by his wife, Gloria; son, Carlos and grandson, Connor; daughter, Rachel Levan and her
husband, Joe; along with many nieces and nephews.
A service of remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Families
First Funeral Care and Chapel, located at 1328 Dean Forest Rd, Savannah, GA 31405. A
viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service.
Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, located at 1 St, Meldrim, GA 31318.
Those who wish to remember Ervin in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Truckstop
Ministries at truckstopministries.org/how-you-can-help. You can also text the keyword “Truckers”
to 73256 to receive a link for mobile giving.
The family would like to give a recommendation for floral pieces and plants to be purchased at
Johnson’s Florist & Balloon Co. 912-920-4644.
Offer Condolence for the family of Rev. Ervin Devero Smith
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Earl Hughes
Gloria, we are saddened to hear of your loss but there is no doubt he is in the Loving arms of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. God’s word advises us we are here for a short while but knowing Him as our Lord and Saviour, He promised eternal and everlasting life with Him. Our prayers are for comfort and peace to his loved ones. You will all be in our prayers. Love you, Earl & Faye
Albert and Penny Rushing
Mrs. Gloria we would like to offer our condolences. Brother Ervin was a great man and he will be missed. Prayers for you and your family. The Rushings
Britt wise
I’m so sorry 😢 for your loss. Sending my condolences and prayers. Praying 🙏 for your family and friends. Rest in the arms of the angels In heaven pastor. God bless
Marie Matkins
My sweet friend Rachel,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad was such a great man and always so kind. I know how close you two were. Remember grief has no timeline and you are allowed to feel all the feelings you need to feel. Sending my condolences and prayers for you and your family.
Denise Smith
Gloria, I’am so saddened to hear of your loss but the Trucking world is truly lost too is was always helping
us but we all know with out a doubt he is in the Loving arms of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing him with us . Lots of prayers toyou and your family love Denise
Holly Fields
My deepest condolences on your loss. I only knew him on Facebook, but anyone could see what a good man he was. I am truly saddened by the news of his passing. I pray it was peaceful.
Butch Mosley PM Thunderbolt Lodge #693
It is with my heartfelt sorrow hearing of the passage of a Great Mason and Mentor God has a special place in heaven for you My Friend and Brother!!!
Pastor John Andrew Dickinson
Brother Ervin Smith, you will be sadly missed. Thank you Brother Ervin for your prayers and strengthening conversations. Be with God, May God welcome you into heaven with open arms and say Welcome Home Good and Faithful Servant. Well done sir🙏✝️😪
Carolyn Jennelle
Dearest Rachel,
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your dad except thru your facebook posts but I could tell he was greatly loved and loved greatly. Knowing he is resting with Jesus brings peace and comfort but doesn’t diminish the physical longing to see him again. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Smith
I’m so sorry to the entire family for the loss of this sweet man. He always had the sweetest smile and calming presence. Truly heaven has gained one of the best! Hugs to Gloria, Carlos, Conner, Rachel and Joe. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
-Karen Smith
Jamison Shreve
We love all of yall so much, I’m so glad God blessed us by being your neighbor my whole life❤️Mr. Ervin and Gloria showed me a relationship with christ and took me to church with them every Sunday my whole childhood. I will appreciate that for the rest of my life🙏
Norma Morrison
Dearest Gloria and family, Mike and I send our heart-felt condolences to you for the unexpected death of our cousin, Ervin. His passion for his ministry to truckers was never failing and extremely effective. Many people will miss him for his devotion and his life well lived. Love you all, Mike and Norma in Tennessee
Lauren Morales
I’m so so sorry, Rachel. My condolences and prayers for the whole family. Sending a hug and a smile your way.
Timothy W.Creech Past Master Thunderbolt Lodge # 693
My heart is full of sorrow when I received a call from Carlos the next morning informing me that my pastor, mentor, and masonic brother had been called home to
be with LORD. One of kindest man I’ve had the honor of meeting we will meet on the square again, love you my Brother. Prayer’s for my Masonic Family.
Billy Sutton & Carol Ann Moore
Gloria,
We here in Oklahoma are so very saddened at the loss of Ervin. He is a very special person in many ways, kind compassionate, loving. It’s an honor to have called him friend, brother and most of all family. I’m so blessed to have spent some time with him when I was in Savannah last.
Please know that you and all the family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs, till we see y’all.
Diane Granade
My heart is filled with sadness that our dear patriarch of us cousins has gone to be with Jesus. While the Lord will open his arms for Ervin, we who are left will mourn his absence. I remember that handsome and funny guy in his red convertible in his early days, before he would soon choose to follow God’s lead. He left such a Godly footprint upon everyone he met or spoke to, including his Truck Stop audience. Their comments never ceased praising how his words comforted them through so many aspects of their lives, as well as our Smith family. My love and sympathy to Gloria, Rachel & Joe, Carlos, and Conner.
Kathy Kirkland
To The Family of Brother Smith: So very sad to hear Of Bro. Smith Passing He was a delight and joy in the Lord with his ministry and reaching all of us Facebook friends . I know heaven is much brighter with his presence. With a heavy heart I say he will surely be missed by everyone that he knew.God bless you and keep you Ms Gloria and family .
Terri Brown Patillo
My heart is broken. I’ve known Uncle Ervin since birth, he was a wonderful friend to my Mother and her parents. The Smith family became part of our family. When my daughter was just two days old, he took her in his arms and blessed her and dedicated her to Jesus. I know Uncle Ervin rests now in the loving arms of our Lord and Saviour.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Smith family in this time of grief.
To Conner: you are your grandfather’s greatest legacy. You were a great blessing to him. 💜✝️💜
Shelia lowe
My love to you Gloria and your children . It was such a blessing to have Ervin in my class. His friendship was such a blessing. Enjoyed talking with him and following him on his Facebook ministry. God blessed me when he place you two in my life path. He will be missed by so many. Prayer for comfort and peace. Love you Gloria.
George A Boren
Prayers for his family and friends 🙏 🧡
Jennifer Rodriguez
As we honor a great man and faithful servant of our Lord and Savior for a life well lived, we remember brother Smith’s legacy of love. My family and I are better people because of Brother Ervin Smith and his incredible family. My prayers of comfort and peace are with you all as you lay to rest this wonderful human being, husband, father, friend and so much more to many.
I love you all. 🙏🏼
Betty Lee
I am so sorry to hear about Ervin. May God give all of you comfort during this sad time. You are in my prayers.
Randy & Debbie Caraway
Gloria, Rachel, & Carlos; I want to offer my condolence with all of you. Ervin was such a special man who always had a smile on his face and always offering kind words along with a joke or two! He will be greatly missed but I know that all of our family are rejoicing in Heaven right now! Ervin leaves a happy remembrance for us all to strive to be a better person and Christian. We love you all.
Gail Caraway Gravell
My dearest Gloria, Rachel, Carlos, and other close family:
My cousin, Ervin, holds a special place in my heart. I didn’t see him a lot through the years, but when I did we enjoyed sweet, wonderful conversations of our Lord and God. My husband, RJ, truly admired Ervin as well. Ervin and I joyed together in the promise of sharing eternity with our loved ones who have gone to sleep and are waiting for Christ to gather us all together for that winged flight to heaven. I so appreciate that Ervin stood strong in his faith as he cheered on and prayed for the truckers’ safety. A beacon of light for all to see Jesus, he truly was! Gloria and Rachel, you are strong women. Ervin left each of you an indelible legacy. Carry that gospel message in your daily walk that your soul mate and ‘sweet daddy’ lived everyday. May his sweet memories always warm your hearts and be a reminder that eternity and your reunion is not far off. Know that I am asking God to carry you through this time of sorrow. “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15.
Debbie, Juan, Mary and family ❤️
Dearest Gloria, Rachel, Joe, Benji, And Connor, the news of our sweet cousin, Ervin’s homegoing saddened our hearts for you, his family. We know he is happy in the arms of Jesus…..no more pain. May our Lord comfort your hearts in the difficult days ahead until you are reunited.🙏❤️🙏