ERNEST MERLE SMITH, 75, of Hagerstown, passed away Monday, April 28, 2014 at his home. Born December 4, 1938 in Hagerstown, MD. He was the son of the late Preston Raymond Smith and Virginia W. Miller Smith. Ernie was a member of, North American Rod and Gun Club, Good Will Athletic Association, Western Maryland Sportsman's Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles #694, Sons of The American Legion, National Rifle Association of American, Red Men Lodge 84 in Williamsport, and Lonesome Pine Lodge, Antietam Fire Company #2. His hobbies were hunting and fishing, shooting, mowing grass, and gardening. Ernest was preceded by his wife, Hilda " Sis " Suder Smith who passed away January 2000. He is survived by his foster mother, Edith Hebel; two daughters, Stacy L. Smith Schwab and her husband Michael, K. Deanie Smith and friend John Wade all of Hagerstown; three sons, Thomas Michael Smith Sr. and his wife Teresa of Hagerstown, William E. Smith Sr. and his friend Joy Beard of Martinsburg WV., C. Brian Smith Sr. and his wife Tracy of Shepardstown, WV.; four sisters, Helen Dodson and her husband Walter, Patricia Semler, Mildred Stevens and her husband Jake, and Ruth Ann Bruner and her husband Thomas; three brothers, George W. Smith Sr. and his wife Jenny, Donald Hebel and his wife Lynette, and Thomas Hebel and his wife Barb; twelve grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and special companion, Blitz. In addition to his parents and wife, Ernest was preceded in death by his foster father, Rev. H. Lee Hebel; one son, Harold Lee Smith; two sisters; four brothers. Services will be held Friday, May 2, 10:00 am at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd. Hagerstown, MD. The Pastor Ronald K. Faith will officiate. Burial will be at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Family will receive friends Thursday, May 1, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Minnich Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, and Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Online condolences are accepted at www.minnichfh.com.