Dr. Edwin L. Smith, "Ed", of Eau Claire, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2015, at Dove Healthcare-South at the age of 74. Ed was born February 15, 1941, in Cleveland, TN, to Lester and Julia (Watkins) Smith. He studied at the University of Tennessee, and earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois, a Master's Degree from Florida State University, and a Doctorate in Music from the University of Kentucky. Ed began his teaching career at Birmingham Southern College in Alabama, where he courted and married the love of his life, music student Beverly Nichols, in 1969. Ed taught at the University of Kentucky as a graduate assistant, and then moved to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1974, where he taught music theory for 27 years. He always said he "taught the courses no one wanted to take", but he was adored by students in spite of his high standards. He also participated in the foreign exchange program in 1996 when he taught at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England. He retired in 2001. For 10 years, Ed directed the Chippewa Valley Community Chorus performing major choral works. He served as choir director and/or organist at Lake Street United Methodist, First Presbyterian, Our Savior's Lutheran, and most recently Chapel Heights United Methodist. He and Beverly would also often visit nursing homes to entertain residents with piano four-hands popular music and show tunes. He loved to play the piano, and people loved to hear him do it. Ed was a wonderful family man, and adored his wife, children and grandchildren. He always had time for "catch" or a bike ride with his boys, and he spent hours and hours helping and encouraging them in their various pursuits. He was a perfect southern gentleman who never lost the accent or the courtly manner, and he cherished Beverly like no other. He always shared his knowledge freely, and offered many words of advice to those he loved. He enjoyed collecting old cars, traveling extensively, SEC football, sitting on the deck reading the paper, and dining out with family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Beverly; two sons, Kent (Valerie) Smith and Jason (Karen) Smith; two grandchildren, Andrew and Arianna; and three cousins, Frank, Robert and Angie. He was preceded in death by his parents; and granddaughter, Angela Smith. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2015, at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave. in Eau Claire with Pastor Amy Odgren and Pastor Lowell Halvorson officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2015, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. in Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Private interment will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington. The family would like to thank Dr. Lisa Buenger, the staff at Oak Leaf Wound Care, Dr. Abd Khatib, the staff of the Eau Claire Heart Institute, and the members of Chapel Heights United Methodist church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Baker-Smith Musicology Scholarship which Ed co-founded at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 105 Garfield Ave. Eau Claire, WI 54701 or the Eau Claire County Humane Association, 3900 Old Town Hall Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

Service Information

Cemetery

Rest Haven Cemetery 5750 Old Town Hall Road Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Thursday, October 8 2015 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703