Lifelong Franklin County resident Lonnie Smith is described as a fixture in the community, so it was more than fitting that the Russellville Senior Center honored Smith on Thursday as the Senior of the Month for July.

Smith was born in Russellville in 1927 to Claude and Callie Lloyd and grew up in the Isbell community where he made friends everywhere he went.

After attending school, Smith held various jobs throughout his life such as working for Albert Grissom on his farm and working at the sawmill.

Smith’s ability to make friends extended from his childhood into his adult life, and Smith’s cousin, Linda Graham, said he almost always has someone visiting him at his home in the Reedtown community.

“Lonnie is always good-natured and is always smiling and laughing,” Graham said.“He’s also very selfless. He only asks for something when he really needs it and sometimes you still have to make sure he has what he needs because he may not always ask.”

During the last 15 years that he has attended the Senior Center, Smith has made many friends who know he’ll be there every day, Monday through Friday, without fail.

“You can always count on Lonnie being here,” said Cathye Garrison, who manages the Senior Center. “Everybody likes him and we all just pick at each other and cut up. Lonnie never gets sick, so if he’s not here, we know something must be wrong. You can always count on him.”

Garrison said the members of the Senior Center have discovered that, besides being good-natured and fun to be around, Smith has a very generous spirit as well.

“Lonnie has such a big heart for others,” Garrison said. “He’s constantly buying stuff at the farmer’s market and bringing it to people here. Lonnie keeps us going and I don’t know what we’d do without him.”

Graham said Smith enjoys spending most of his time at the Senior Center visiting with his friends or playing pool with Ms. Bonner. He also enjoys going to his favorite restaurant, Wayne’s Catfish Haven.

“I’m glad we have the Senior Center because Lonnie enjoys it so much and he loves the people and the activities,” Graham said.

“I’m also thankful for Mrs. Cathye and the great job she does.”

Those who are interested in the activities and programs offered at the Russellville Senior Center can contact Cathye Garrison at 256-332-8780.