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If you would like to add a story or
comment, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Thank you!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
From: Jill Proctor
We miss you Wes!! Love you!!!!!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
From: Karen Dirksen
Wes, you are loved and missed very much.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
From: Coach Mac McIllwain
One of the BEST STUDENTS & YOUNG MAN, I EVER HAD IN
ALL MY TEACHING & COACHING!! HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
From: Charlotte Edlin
Can't believe it's been 12 years since you've been gone Wes. I will always
cherish my memories of the Woodlawn ball park and travel team days, gone way
to soon.
______________________________________________________________________________________
From: Stephanie Chester
I can't believe it's been 12 years...we were camping
down Buchanan that week end and stopped at Cindys to eat and I saw it in the
paper...we were in total disbelief. Wesley was such a fine young man. He
still holds a special place in my heart. God Bless you all.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
From: Sally Allen
This year during orientation, my 7th grade daughter Bella, received her
locker assignment. She came running back into the gym to tell me that she
got Wesley's locker! She was so excited! She of course never knew Wesley,
neither did I, but the impression Ms. Patsy and Wade have made on so many
showed Bella how special this was. She immediately ran over to the front
office at CA to tell Ms. Patsy, but she wasn't here. So we later called her
on the phone and Bella excitedly told her that she had gotten Wesley's
locker. It made Bella's day and of course Ms. Patsy's. Wes's memory will
continue to live on for so many at CA due to the love and kindness of
Wade & Patsy show to so many.
___________________________________________________________________________________
From: Brenda Wood
I know Wes is looking at the new playground with that
wonderful smile. Knowing that he was part of it. Still miss that cutie.
______________________________________________________________________________________
From: Jan Hammond
It was good to go to Wes's website tonight, it was
like I was checking on him. Miss y'all and your precious Wesley.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Caroline Burchett
I
still think about Wes almost everyday, though I was not privileged to have
very many vivid memories with him, since he went to heaven when I was only
in 4th grade. My all time favorite story Cal ever told me is actually
pictured at the top of this page, but they had the bright idea for twin day
to make completely duck taped suits. Later Cal realized that they all sweat
A LOT and the duck tape did not help that situation, but nothing ever
stopped them form doing something they set their mind to and especially
having school spirit! I think this character plays true to every story my
brother tells me about Wes, and I love hearing new ones almost every time I
am with my brother. Wes had the biggest heart, jus like his parents, and he
did everything with his entire hear, mind, body and soul. I wish I could
have gotten to know him better, but I look forward to seeing his bright
shining smile in heaven some day!_______________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Lauren Yurus
To the boy I always saw with a smile. I was always the little
sister, it bothered me greatly. I wanted to fit in so bad with Matt and all
his friends. Not only a new school, but new friends and I really missed my
old ones. Finally, the big break.. At a basketball game Wes and Andy were
filming and Matt told me to go on and leave them alone, and Wes said, "sure
you can sit here." It was the little things about Wes, that made you feel
warm inside. Who knows why I chose to remember such a simple story.. He
taught me a lot, who knew it was possible to shine for God each and
everyday? We miss you, can't wait to see you again.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From: Judy Woodring
FOR MOTHERS OF LOST SONS EVERYWHERE
Beneath your breast he waits, heart beating, feet
kicking, stretching and reaching. He grows, seems impatient, as are you, for
soon he is due. Then in a blink: They place him in your arms, tiny face,
tiny fist, bright piercing eyes. Baby sighs, he is yours, to love, to
protect, to cherish, to nourish. You believe you know how Mary felt, long
ago in that manger, where baby Jesus slept beneath the open stars. Both
babies ages apart, cradled by mothers and held close to beating hearts. Then
in a blink: He is a toddler, calling your name. Little boy of joy, skinned
knees, and endless tears watch as he finds his way. Growing stronger each
passing day. Then in a blink: Your precious boy dressed for school, readies
for the adventure, while you hold on for perhaps a moment too long. Will
they love him as tenderly as you, if not, what will you do. How could they
not, this little boy, full of grace, beautiful smile upon his face. Then in
a blink: He graduates to bigger toys, older boys, to baseball games where
the sun beats down upon his frame. Where you call his name as runners score
and your young man stands proud among his peer, smiling amid the many
cheers. His life is full, his future bright, as he says his prayers in the
still of the night. Then in a blink: Gone is the laughter, the cheers, the
smiling face. Gone without notice you have lost focus, nothing seems right,
everything is way to quiet without your darling boy. There is little joy,
too soon, too soon, this empty room. Then in a blink: God reaches down from
His high throne and reminds you, you are not alone. Your boy has gone to a
heavenly home and in that dark and empty space God fills you with His loving
grace. Reminding you that your son awaits, just inside the golden gates.
Then in a blink: You know what your son would want of you, what he expects
you to do. There is another child with a lonely face in need of a warm
embrace. Ten more children come your way, then more and more each passing
day. Your precious boy watches from above, as you guide them all with
mother's love. Then in a blink: Someone like me learns of this special space
filled with memories of a lost son's amazing grace, his beautiful smile, his
loving face. We learn that his life though very brief, left so much joy amid
such grief. It's through these words that his memory lives on with each
passing day, inspiring others along the way. In a blink: A son was born and
the world suddenly become a better place. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Brenna Davis
I remember when we were in 6th or 7th grade Steph and I would always write
Wes notes and give them to him. The problem was that he would never write us
back. Well one day we asked him why he never wrote to us even when we put
WBS-write back soon- at the end of every letter. I'll never forget what he
said... " Oh! That's what that means! I thought that ya'll were writing my
initials all this time... Wesley Brandon Smith... I wondered how you knew my
middle name." Haha that's my favorite memory. At least he is always with us
now. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Brenda
Smith-Wood
When Wesley was small my Mother (his Granny Frances) had done
something (can't remember what)and Wes said "Let that be a lesson to you".
She remembered that and would repeat it to me often, whenever I did
something I should have thought about before doing. He would call her Hazel
(Uncle Don taught him that) and always brought a smile to her face. You
could not be in his presence and not smile.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From: Hannah White
Wes played baseball and hit his first home run in 2004. As well as
baseball, he enjoyed Taekwondo, football, skiing, four-wheeling, skate
boarding and the list goes on. Whatever he did, he did well. He played hard
and did his best. The people that knew Wes admired him. He was a great
person that loved life and lived it having fun with family and friends. I
never had a chance to meet Wes, but I have listened to people stories. I
know he was a wonderful person. Maybe I will meet him later in Heaven. He
was born May 15, 1988. At the age of 16, God took him home. Save a place for
us Wes!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From: Liz Ladd
Wes, I miss you buddy. We think about you all the
time. Love, Liz _________________________________________________________________________________________________
From: Brittany Decker
it seems like forever since i have visited with my fellow clarksvillians.
i'm ashamed that it took a friend's death for me to contact old friends. one
thing that i remember about wes was his inability to say something bad about
another person. i don't think anyone could convince him to utter a word of
dislike towards a fellow student. wes is a figure of what we should all be.
it saddens me to know that the opportunity for so many to know him has
physically come to an end, but seeing how his friends have kept him alive
gives hope that many more can come to see what a great person he was. thank
you for being an inspiration. i noticed that you said that his favorite
biblical figure was moses. "For no one has ever shown the mighty power or
performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel."
--Deuteronomy 34:12
_____________________________________________________________________________________
From: Melissa
Martin
Thanking our Lord Jesus Christ for blessing us with Wesley Smith. I just
know there's gonna be a double header going on in heaven this Saturday as
the baseball field is dedicated...
From: Cal Burchett
I have never written anything on here, but I have always enjoyed
reading what everyone has to say. There has yet to be a day go by I don't
think of him. There never will be. I was just thinking about a time he came
up with the idea of a tri sports race. He wanted to start at his house in
our trucks pulling our jetskis to the river. Put the jetskis in and race to
a certain agreed on point and then race back to the house in our trucks(with
the jetskis attached of course). And then when we got back to his house we
would race four wheelers around the track. I know he would of beaten me, but
its these kind of ideas that make me smile. I know he is in heaven right now
riding jetskis and four wheelers. God bless!
From:
Stephanie Martin
I remember the first time I saw him. Woodlawn Park...sitting in the
bleachers watching a softball game. While in the dugout Marti (his
girlfriend) pointed him out to me...I thought he was SO cute! I loved him as
soon as I saw him. Then, he came to Clarksville Academy and everyone liked
him! I wanted to go out with him so bad, so I wrote him a note asking him
out...even though it was against 'the rules'! I remember exactly where
everyone was standing at the end of the day when we were all getting picked
up from school...My friends and I were at the corner of the art/1st/2nd
grade building...and he was across the street near the kindergarten
building. We were all being silly and giggly trying to yell at Wes on the
other side! My friends were asking him about my little love note and he
yelled back saying "Yes!" I was so excited!! Wesley was my first real
boyfriend who I will never forget and always look up to...
_______________________________________________________________________________________
From: Dave Genz
What a blessing to have been able to be a part of your life. It was
at a Houston County baseball game when Wesley was in the seventh grade I
first experiened his passion for baseball. He was my manager. He was small,
but he was mighty. My manager had more passion for the game of baseball than
did my players at the time. The more I got to know Wes, the more I realized
he did not just have a passion for baseball, but he had passion for his
parents, his life and most importantly.........a Passion for CHRIST!!! It
was also on that day when I was blessed to meet Wade and Patsy. The Lord
Jesus Christ blessed me on that day by bringing the Smiths into my life. You
will always be and have been in our families thoughts and prayers.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Magan Perry
Just wanted you to know we were thinking about you wes!!! We miss
you! Hope you guys are doing well Wade and Patsy. Love Mark, Jackie, Magan,
and TJ Perry We will never forget that big smile and all the great times we
had with wes..He is hitting home runs in heaven! I know that you and TJ and
even Andy are giving some baseball players a run for their money...I can't
wait to see you boys again!!! Tell my little brother I said hello..and you
are older so you take care of him until we get there to live in peace
forever!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Marti Leigh
I've known Wesley ever since I was in elementary school. I have never known
anyone to be as strong willed as he was. He never did anything he did not
want to do and he stood up for anyone, even if they might not have been the
"cool kid." He was the most loving person I have met and I still have yet to
meet anyone that is quite like him. He invited me to his birthday party in
the fifth grade and I was so excited to be able to go. It was at Woodlawn
Park and I remember there was a metal tub that had ice and all the drinks in
it. As the ice melted, he was dumped into the tub and I thought it was funny
and so his mom decided to get me too. She picked me up and dumped me in.
That was the best time. Everyone was care free. I know without a doubt that
Wesley IS is heaven and is watching all of us and can't wait to see us just
like we can't wait to see him. I know I loved him and he had a great impact
on my life and I can not wait until I get to see his smiling face again.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Brittany Walker
Some of my fondest memories of Wesley come from our middle school
dances. We would have them in the cafeteria during 6th period, and any
middle schooler who didn't want to attend would sit in the library. Wesley
always made it his obligation to convince everyone in the library to join
in, and made sure that he asked every girl to dance with him so nobody would
feel left out. He often intervened between our petty 'social cliques',
promoting peace and making sure to be nice to everyone. It's because of
Wesley that I'm able to be so confident around the peers in my grade... had
it not been for him, I doubt any of our middle school 'cliques' would have
been able to get along so well.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From: Gary Dacus
When Wes was real young (probably 4 or 5) he would follow my son
Justin around the baseball card show I set up and lost money on cards as
Wes's dad did also. Wes's, at the time, speech was just as expected for a
4-5 year old and would always mutter to us when looking for Justin ..wer
deboy buy baeball cards...Sherry and I talk about that memory to this day
...After seeing Mrs. Patsy today we felt like sharing this memory for all.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Tyler Mayfield
When I was over at Wesley's house one day with my brother Derek. They were
in Wesley's room playing with cars. This is when I was three and Wes was
about ten. Wesley had noticed that I was alone and had nothing to do so he
invited me to play cars with them. Even though I am Wes's cousin I wish I
got to know him more then what I did. I know my brother Derek did, because
one of the days we went over to Wesley's house, which I do not remember
Wesley had gave Derek a ninja star. On this day Derek has a Wesley pin that
you put on your shirt and that ninja star on the rebel flag I got him.
From: Heather McDaniel
One of the great things that I remember about Wes was his ability to always
put a smile on someone's face. It was Toni and my first year at CA and I
remember he would always come and talk to us. He always was very nice, i
can't even remember a time when he wasn't smiling. He was such a strong
christian, always inviting people into FCA. He was just a very sweet and
pleasant person to be around. When I think back on the memories, it always
brings a smile to my face.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From: Nicole McGraw
I didn't know Wes(I saw the Web site on the back of a maroon car) but
my cousin Brandon Nieman died about 2 years ago, when he was just 14 years
old, from heart failure while playing football, around the same time Wes
died and I just wanted to say that I am sorry for your loss and that I will
be praying for your family. My deepest sympathys, Nicole McGraw.
From: Megan Bandel
When everyone, including my sister, Stephanie, were starting to
drive, my sister got into a car accident. Before school the next day, she
was swearing up and down that she'd never sit behind the whell again.
However, when she got home after school that day, she said that she wanted
to go out driving again immediately. It wasn't until after Wesley's death
that we realized what made her drive again. Wes had gone up to Steph and
told her, now I am paraphrasing, that things happen, but we can't let them
keep us from doing the things we want to do. Now that I look back, I realize
I didn't know Wesley existed until that fateful day. However, he has made
more of an impact upon my life now than he ever did when he was alive, and
that is a hard thing to accomplish.
From: Jared Bowers
It has been a while since I have commented on this site. I miss Wes very
much. I always think about what if he were alive today, what Wes would have
accomplished. I wish nothing but the best of luck for Ms. Patsy and Mr. Wade
in the future.
From: Lisa Henning
Yesterday in church, I found myself not listening to what was said,
but thinking about Wes and the way he lit up everyone's life. I find it
amazing how 2 years have passed and the way he lived his life still affects
everyone that knew him. I'll always keep the Smith family in my prayers, and
I'll never forget Wes.
From: Melissa
Martin
I came to know Wes as Stephanie's first "boyfriend". She was so
excited to receive from him a beautiful heart necklace...and we were trying
to figure out what to give him. We knew that one of his main interest was
baseball, so we searched and searched for a book on baseball. We poured over
a few, and had to be quite selective, as some stories of former pro players
were a little too detailed! There is not one single day that goes by without
my thinking of the Smith family...what an awesome family! We all realize
what a fine young man that Wes was, and still is in our hearts...and know
that his moral values and the way he loved life was instilled in him by his
Mom and Dad. Wade and Patsy...thank you, as this is a gentle reminder to me
everyday to trust in God knowing that Wes is shining in Heaven with that
sunshine yellow and that beautiful smile. You are in my prayers daily.
Melissa Martin
From: Ricky Robertson
Well, I can finally sit down and write. I have tried this several
times and could not do it. I have known Wade and Patsy for a long time and
can think of no better people that I can call friends. I remember Wes going
from shortest on the little league team to the one of the tallest. He seemed
to grow overnight. I remember hunting with Wes and his dad behind their
house and calling in a couple of deer for Wes to take a few shots at and
finally getting one. I also remember paintball. I remember running through
the woods thinking I had outsmarted everyone only to run into Wes and my son
Dakota who were only to happy to pelt me with plenty of paint. I remember
Wes and baseball, those two words go together very well. I was very honored
to be the president of the Woodlawn little league and to dedicate the senior
field in his name. I thought I would not make it through that day. It was
very hard to stand in front of everyone without making a mess of my speech
that took a couple of weeks to write and then I skipped most of it. That was
one the hardest speeches I have ever had to deliver. I can think of several
other stories mostly about baseball but I will share them another time. We
will miss Wes but I feel blessed at having known him.
From: Beverly Clark-Tice
Hello, I was just back in Clarksville visiting my sister Angie Henson
and her adorable family. And once again we spoke of your son "Wes". He will
never be forgotten even to those of us who have never met him. But on the
other hand, it feels as though I do. :) Thank you for being a good friend to
her.(Angie) Beverly
From: Melissa Martin
I feel like true Wesley Smith spirit was at our Senior Night
ballgames the other night...Wow, what games the boys and girls played....and
what great CA school spirit....it was special. Wade and Patsy, thank you for
all that you both do for Clarksville Academy...to see you both so involved
over at school and living each and every day to the fullest is quite an
inspiration to my family and me.
From:
Beverly Clark Tice
TO THE WORLD YOU MAY BE ONE PERSON, TO ONE PERSON YOU MAY BE THE
WORLD!! DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT IS OVER, SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED!!
From: Andy Smith
I haven't wrote anything in a long time but there is not a day that
goes by that I don't think about Wes at least one time a day and I don't
think that will ever change. I remember Wes and I would ride bikes 4 miles
to Griffies market just about everyday during the summer we really got into
it we would have crazy conversation all the time when we would ride. One day
Wes Wade and I rode all the way from Woodlawn to pizza hut on 41A we had a
great time by the time we arrived back into Woodlawn we had rode 21 miles it
was really fun.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Jonathan Smith
One day, Wesley and Jonathan Buck and I were riding 4-Wheeler around
his track by his house. I had the awesome idea to pull the mountain board
behind the 4-Wheeler using a ski rope.. I tried it and feel...but Wesley was
determined to land this jump. Usually when Wesley got hurt or received any
kind of injury he would run around in circles going..ohh.ahhh..oooo ..ahh.
But when I drove him off that jump.....lol...he landed on his wrist and
instead of running in circles he ran straight for the house. I knew
something was wrong. Turns out he broke his wrist. I knew it. But the most
intriguing thing was that instead of using his broken arm (the one he
painted with) as an excuse. He painted with his right arm instead. Only
showing his love and dedication for art. Mrs. Drew and myself were really
impressed with his lighting portrait which in my opinion was great. This
alone shows how much effort Wesley gave in everything. He will be forever
remembered for his love and caring for everything he was involved in. And in
my book, the hero that i look up to for guidance. We love you Wes.
From: Jennifer McCandless
I remember when Wes and I dated when I was in 8th and he was in 9th
grade. He was the sweetest guy ever. I am so happy he is at a better place
now. I just want him to know I miss him so much and think about him all the
time.
From:
Karen Dirksen
I was not as blessed as most of you. I only knew Wes for a short
time, But in that time I have memories of him that make me feel lucky. Wes's
smile is still contagious, just the thought warms my heart.Wes loved life,
and lived for life. He continues to touch others even in Heaven. I have a
Quote from Helen Keller that makes me think of Wes. "The best and most
beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be
felt with the heart". The Smith Family has a place in my heart forever.
From:
Beverly Clark-Tice
I personally do not know this "Wes". However, in my heart I feel like I know
him. My sister, Angie Henson and my niece Emily Henson has spoken so highly
about him and what a unique, kind person he was. I just wanted to express to
the family that I am sorry for your loss. One very comforting and important
thing my mother told me before she left us, was that our "memories" were
forever! They were ours whenever we wanted then. Believe me I use my quite
often. I feel her presents from time to time. Its a simple reminder to me
that everything is okay. A great comfort. This website was a wonderful idea.
I have enjoyed reading about and seeing your son. You have to be a proud
mother/father. God Bless you. Beverly Tice
From:
Ben Morgan
After Wes and his dad built his mini-ramp, he invited Johnathan Brodie and
myself over to spend the night and skateboard all night. Wes taught me how
to drop in. All that night, we just skateboarded and watched movies. A
little later in the night, Mrs. Patsy brought out a camera and took some
rather embarrasing photos of the three of us. Luckily those pictures never
made it to school. All and All, it was one of the greatest nights I had ever
spent with Wes, just having fun like we always did.
Another one of my favorite memories, Mr and Mrs. Smith took
the both of us snowboarding in Paoli peaks, and within 30 minutes Wesely
learned how to snowboard better than I did. He was a crazy snowboarder, he
always tried to do different tricks without thinking twice about it. He
would ride as fast as he could all the time, at times it was hard to keep up
with him. But I really miss snowboarding with him..
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From: Mary
Ann Vick
Wesley's life offered no shortage of excitement, while he was living among
us. Besides being ambitious at school, playing sports with his friends, or
entertaining his family with his "infectious" personality, he was embarking
for the first time of experiencing being sixteen years old, driving his own
truck to Clarksville Academy and having his own "parking place." There was
just something extraordinarily regarding Wesley's life. He new how it felt
to be human, and how important it was to have a spirit of giving to others.
Each new day brought a new challenge for him to conquer. Wesley was
genuinely interested in people, and because of this, everyone enjoyed
spending time with him. In closing, I believe Wesley would like for me to
share this Bible verse. "Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for
behold, your reward is great in heaven." -Luke 6:23 With Love, Mary Ann Vick
& Family
From: Dana Self
I don't have a story nor did I know Wes. I just know that tonight I went to
the Riverfest and I parked across the street in a parking lot, that they
were taking donations for the Wesley Smith Memorial Field Fund. I remember
reading the newspaper about what happened almost a year ago. It broke my
heart, as I prayed for his family. Tonight, a gentleman gave me a card with
all the information on it. So when I got home, I got on the web site and
read every story about this precious human being. I wish I could have met
him. All the stories were so beautiful. We have so much going on in our
world and its nice to know that there are so many good people out there
willing to make Wes' dreams come true. He is smiling down on all of you. I
will continue to pray for this family. You truly touched my heart more than
you will know.
From: Sharee
Burkhart
I found this link from the newspaper. I think the site is wonderful and
touching but doesn't say anything about how Wes passed away.I was very
disappointed to not be able to read that story. Thanks, God bless and so
sorry for our loss :(
From:
Britney Mohney
I HAVE KNOWN WES SINCE I WAS IN THE 4TH GRADE AND ONE THING THAT HE WOULD
ALWAYS SAY TO ME AND MY BROTHER TRENT WHEN WE WERE ARGUING AFTER A BASEBALL
GAME OR ANYWHERE WES COULD SEE US. WES WOULD ALWAYS COME UP TO US AND SAY U
GUYS SHOULD STOP ARGUING. I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO HAVE A BROTHER OR SISTER
AND ALL U TO DO IS ARGUE. WELL THAT WAS NOT A VERY BIG STORY BUT HIM SAYING
THAT WILL ALWAYS STICK WITH ME AND I THOUGHT U WOULD LIKE THE STORY TO.LOVE
ALWAYS,BRITNEY MOHNEY.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Channing Grimes
Even though I no longer attend Clarksville Academy I have always thought
that it was a second home just as Wes did. I have so many great memories
there! I'll never forget going to all the dances, and never did it fail the
DJ would play the exact same songs EVERY TIME! Particularly that one song by
Lone Star called "Amazed." And every time that song was played I remember
him coming over and grabbing me and Brittany Straw and the three of us would
dance to that song and he would just sing to us the entire time! So now
every time I hear that song it makes me feel as if I'm a little bit closer
to him. There was another time that I keep close to my heart and it was
Freshman year Halloween dance. Wes was a PIMP and me and a few other girls
were Barbie Dolls! Well let me just say he was "Big Pimpin" he was just as
cute as he could be with that purple suit on, trimmed with zebra print on
the outsides might I add. He had the entire outfit! His Bling-Bling
necklace, earring, and rings. AND that hat! We had a BLAST that night and i
will never forget it! I miss you Wes! Until we meet again! Love you!
From: Jimmy Smith
One bright sunny Saturday morning while building some shelving
for my garage, Wes and Andy asked if I had any extra wood they could have.
Without questioning, I gave them what they asked for. They began building
this "thing" unrecognizable to me. I asked them what they were building and
Wes said a "Street Luge". When they fininshed they took this sled on
skateboard wheels down to the hill by the lake and with Patsy as a lookout
and traffic control cop, they proceeded to ride this thing down the hill at
reported speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. They returned laughing and
sharing how much fun they had in spite of minor injuries. Andy had "road
rash" that left a permanent scar on his fingers. I know he doesn't mind
though because it will let him always remember that great Saturday morning.
Those two guys always amazed me at how much fun and creativity they had
together. I thank God that Andy had such a great friend of such great
character to spend his time with. We will meet again.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From: Melissa
Martin
Just another note to say that not one single day goes by without thinking of
Wes and the Smiths....and how very precious each and every day is. That is
quite a legacy that Wes' memories help us to see God's love for us in all
things. Wade and Patsy, have a great mission trip...you are such special
folks to convey the love of baseball and most importantly, God's love to
all.
From: Joseph Coker
Me and Wes were never very close but a couple of days before a
basketball camp I looked at our basketball picture from CA .... when I
was at the camp and I saw CA playing it really made me think about Wes.
I'm happy for Wes he is in a better place ... Wes I cant wait to see you
in heaven
From: Jim and Annie Thompson
May God's love make your grief less. We pray that you and your family
have strength and peace each day. We love you and wanted you to know that we
are thinking of you today.
From:
Chris Winn
I always enjoyed umpiring Wes' baseball games. He epitomized
"sportsmanship". When someone dies in his prime, it says something to us all
about making the most of the time we have.
From:
Tony Schrecker
My sister is Melissa Martin, so that makes me Stef's uncle. I've been living
in Florida since Dec. of 1971. As I was growing older in New Providence and
Clarksville, I new some of Wes's older relatives from Woodlawn due to
playing ball most of my breathing moments. I was back home attending a small
basketball reunion shortly after Wes went to heaven. I learned of the
connection and affiliation Wes had with Melissa, Stephanie, and their
family. Therefore, I took this news a bit more than, just news. After just
being informed of this website 2 days ago, I decided to check it out. I sat
here and read through these stories, and actually had tears oozing down my
cheeks. I know they were filled with fun moments, and memorable times, but
reading the words spoken by his friends and family, (of some which I know)
told me how incredibly fond they were of him. I didn't know the fellow, but
I'm fond of him as well. You know, when one leaves behind a LEGACY such as
Wes did, and in such so few of years, it makes your time on earth worth so
much more valuable. I could see all that in the stories and the pictures.
I'll be checking the website in the future. My thoughts are with all of you
folks that are missing his specialness.
From: Kay Drew
This site makes me feel happy. I love every word and photo that is
posted at this time.
From:
Jared Bowers
When the academy had beaten Mongomery Central I believe was his freshman
year the crowd stormed the court in excitement. Myslef being overjoyed and
all and Wes was the only one i saw i ran up to him and jumped on his back
and gave him a peck on the head and he turned around in the most shocked
way.
From: Blaire
Fleming
My favorite memory of Wes is from my sisters 16
b-day party. Of course I couldn't be downstairs cause I was the "little
kid". Anyways I came downstairs to get a glass of water and take it up to my
room and I was walking through the den and I heard a big boom. I turned
around and saw Wes and Cal wrestling on the floor. They were rolling
everywhere and tripping over everything. Well Wes won of course and my
sister stood with her foot on top of Cal in victory. This story always
brings a smile to my face. I even have a picture of Wes tackling Cal. It is
so funny! Wes will always be in my heart. Another thing is at my sisters
parties when she would yell at me to leave her alone he would always stick
up for me. Thanks Wes for being there for me.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From: Theresia Burchett
I have lots of Wes stories but they are told to me by Cal and
Mary Beth. The latest one was Monday night. As I was helping Cal study for
Chemisty, on one of his old tests was the words divot repair. I asked what
is that there for. He said during the test Wes asked him what was in his
pocket and Cal answered by writing it on his test. What good boys writing to
each other during a test rather than talking. Keeps them out of trouble. On
another test on the back written in Cal's handwriting was Wes is stupid,
written in Wes's handwriting was Wes is Beautiful and Wes is Hot. I know
this story is not much but it helped put a smile on Cal's and my face during
studying so I thought it might put a smile on yours today. Your in my daily
prayers, Theresia
From: Andy
Smith
I remember one day Wes and I were bored, and we
could not decide what to do. Wes thought a while and said lets make a movie
and I was hasty at the idea at first but he always had a was of convincing
you of anything he wanted to. Wes wanted to make a four-wheeler movie. I had
never thought in an million years that Mrs. Patsy would ever go out in the
middle of the woods and film us, but i guess Wesley got her to do it. first
we did donuts in behind John Bucks house in this huge mud hole. We were
doing donut about inches away from each other it looked great on film ,but
if that wasn't enough we had to go down in Wesley's bigo creek behind his
house. I can't forget how Wes giving all that he has, all the time flipped
it didn't land on him but it was dangerous. We started back down the creek
splashing and trashing through the water. Wes was so pleased with the video.
I remember him saying it was wicked/awesome. He came up with the grand
finally to run and jump into the pond but it was the dead of winter, so we
did it the water was cold but i don't even care now all that maters is that
the great time me and Wes had and that i wouldn't trade it for anything in
the world. Maybe one day Mrs. White will let CA watch it in school or
something.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
From:
Melissa Cavallini
When I met Kent, now my husband, many of the stories I heard from him
involved Jonathan and Wesley. There were funny stories, hiking and camping
stories, and stories simply about what a great time he always had with them.
As I listened to all these stories, and being an outdoor-sey person myself,
I eagerly looked forward to spending time with “the guys” too. The first
time I really got to spend a lot of time with them was at the Youth
Convention in Gatlinburg in March of 2003. During free time Roy, Jonathan,
Wesley, Kent and myself went hiking in the mountains to the “Chimney tops”.
From the start of our day, the boys constantly made fun of Kent for
“abandoning” them to be with me, and for “spoiling the fun” by getting
engaged. They kept saying that they just knew this would be the end since he
was getting married. They had us laughing constantly. As we hiked the
rigorous trail, the boys stayed well ahead of us, running at times, putting
as much trail behind them as fast as they could. I remember getting very
close to the top, and they were already there of course, waiting for us for
the final climb up some rocks. We saw them as we came closer, and instead of
staying on the trail, Kent and I took a side path, and Roy told the boys
that we were already at the top, and asked them how they let us get by. We
could see them from where we were, and it was so funny seeing their
expressions, as they thought we had caught up, and even passed them up
without them knowing. When the joke was over, and we had all made it to the
top of the mountain, we just sat back, and relaxed, looking at the beauty
all around us. It was one of those moments where you
think “I never want to forget this moment”, and
it’s one I don’t think I ever will. Kent and I have talked about that hike
many times, and it is very special to us. Wesley was the kind of kid who
would make you smile, no matter what he was doing. He seemed to live life to
the fullest, as if he wanted to take advantage of every chance he got, to
experience everything he could, to appreciate life as much as possible. He
was truly a blessing to everyone who knew him, and he will live in our
hearts forever, until we see him again. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
