Mr. Paul Thomas Smith, age 87, of John St., Wyalusing, PA, passed away suddenly, at his home in Wyalusing, early Friday morning, December 28, 2018. Paul was born in Peckville, PA on April 11, 1931, the son of the late William and Carrie E. Rymond Smith.

Graduating from the Montrose High School, he was a member of the class of 1948. After high school Paul went on to Millersville State Teachers College and graduated with the class of 1952 with a teacher's degree in Industrial Arts. After his graduation from Millersville, Paul was hired as an Industrial Arts and Trades and Industry Teacher, better known as "Shop", at Wyalusing Area School, and taught at Wyalusing Area for 33 years, before retiring in 1986. For those 33 years, Paul taught thousands of students the art and trade of building and carpentry in the school's wood and metal shops. With many of his former students becoming very successful carpenters, cabinetmakers, welders, tool makers, and contractors. Prior to his teaching career, Paul worked for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and most of his life he worked closely with the commission. For many years, Paul was a N.R.A. Rifle Instructor at the Wyalusing High School, and also for many years during the summer, he was a Supervisor of the Neighborhood Youth Care Program at the High School. Paul also owned the Montrose Sporting Goods store in the early 1950's.

On June 18, 1955, he married the former Barbara Hicks, and they were married for 62 years, until Barb's passing on August 4, 2017.

For many years throughout his life in his spare time, Paul enjoyed hunting and being in the outdoors. Paul went on hunting trips to Wyoming and Newfoundland, as well as spending many, many days in the Pennsylvania woods. His big passion was deer hunting in Pennsylvania and he was a very accurate marksman.  While his son, Jeff, was employed in Alaska, he enjoyed two trips to Alaska, and along with his wife, they made countless trips to Myrtle Beach, SC and to the Finger Lakes in New York State.

Owning a farm in Terrytown, Paul made daily trips to the farm, where he enjoyed many hours on his tractors, plowing and mowing, and taking care of his property. He also supervised the quarrying of blue stone on the Terrytown property, and always cherished all of the hours spent at the farm. For 25 years, he farmed Christmas trees on Crow Hill, planting, growing, pruning, and selling the trees, during the Christmas season. After his retirement from teaching, Paul was a gun shop owner, running his business out of the home on John Street. For many years, he enjoyed trading and selling firearms and sharing stories at his gun shop.

Living in Wyalusing since 1955, he was a member of the Wyalusing United Methodist Church serving as a trustee for 20 years. Paul was also a member of the Montrose Masonic Lodge, N.R.A., P.S.E.A., N.E.A., and served as a Wyalusing Council Member for 17 years, serving as it's President and many committee chairs. Loving the Wyalusing area, he enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and many friends. For three years, he loved delivering Meals on Wheels in the Wyalusing area.

Surviving are his two children, Suzanne E. her husband, Jack Morgan, of Black Walnut, PA; and Jeffrey Smith of Wyalusing, PA. He is also survived by two grandchildren Aaron (Lindsay) Eastabrook, and Cody (Nicole) Morgan; four great grandchildren; a brother and sister in law, Louis and Marge Hicks, of Aubrey TX; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Jane Phillips (d. 1960), and a brother/sister-in-law, Douglas and Sandra Adriance (d. 2016).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at 12:00 PM, from the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, with Rev. Heather Baker-McAllister, of the church officiating. Interment will be in the Wyalusing Borough Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church from 10:00AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations in Paul's name to the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, PO Box 155, Wyalusing, PA 18853.

Arrangements are entrusted with Sheldon Funeral Homes, 155 Church St., Wyalusing, PA.  Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com.