Remembering Henry D. Smith

West Virginia author Henry D. Smith (1934-2026) was one of a kind. An electrical engineer in coal country and a writer who captured the soul, spirit, culture, and geographic identity of Appalachia for future generations. I was lucky enough to be his editor as he spun yarns on a regular basis for thirty years. A longtime resident of Bluefield, WV, he was beloved by those he worked with and a good friend to neighbors. He had a wealth of knowledge about the world drawn from his U.S. Army service, his travels to be with his daughter on her worldwide assignments, and his deep interest in West Virginia’s history. His Josh Draper Mystery Series on Amazon.com is a living reminder of his sense of humor and warm-heartedness. We will miss Henry, but he will always be with us through his books.