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GREER -- One of the Upstate's most influential politicians was laid to rest on a cold, gray Wednesday afternoon at a cemetery where trees stripped of their leaves left a clear view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Friends and family remembered former state Sen. Verne Smith as a big-hearted man who cared deeply for the community that kept re-electing him for more than 30 years.

"He loved Greer and everyone in it," the Rev. Wayne Cole said.

A cross-section of Greer and the Upstate's political establishment filled downtown's First Presbyterian Church half an hour before the funeral started.

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Smith lay in a coffin next to an altar decorated with red poinsettias. A blue flag with a white Palmetto tree was draped over the bottom of the coffin, while the top remained open.

Mourners walked up to the coffin in pairs or alone, and paused before returning to their seats. A string quartet played "Amazing Grace" and other hymns.

Attendance reflected the wide range of people Smith contacted in his life as senator. Among them were U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, Greer peach farmer Lem Dillard and Greenville Technical College President Tom Barton.

"Verne always had time to talk to you," Cole said. "He would always treat you as the important person you are."

Smith died Sunday at his home after battling a blood disorder that forced him to resign from the Senate in July. He was 81.

First elected in 1972, he was the longest-serving state senator in Greenville County history.

He began as a Democrat and switched to the GOP, saying he could better serve his constituents as a member of the Upstate's predominant party.

Cole said Smith personified justice, doing right for all people.

"His care for the poor, for the elderly, for the children of this community and of this state is legendary," he said.

A soloist sang "Amazing Grace" and "Jesus Loves Me." An organist played "O Come, All Ye Faithful."

The Rev. Ray White said Smith taught him a "library of truth" about family values.

They were once having a meeting in White's study when the reverend's daughter called to say she'd been in a fender-bender, White said. She was all right, but asked her father to come to the scene, he said.

White said he told his daughter, "I'll be there in just a moment."

When White told Smith what happened, the senator said, "Preacher, you get up right now!"

White said he headed to the scene. Smith later called back to ask, "How is she?"

"I'm sad he's gone," White said. "And I'm grateful -- thank you, God."

Pallbearers carried the coffin down the church steps and slid it into a gray hearse. Mourners followed as an organist played "America the Beautiful."

Some dabbed their eyes with tissues.

Across the street, the U.S. flag in front of the Greer Fire Department flew at half-staff.

A funeral procession made a slow, half-mile journey to Mountain View Cemetery.

Friends and family, facing the mountains, said their final goodbyes with Smith's casket sitting in front of several flower arrangements.

His wife of 59 years, Jean, died 29 days before him.

"It is so difficult to think of Verne without Jean," Cole said. "We rejoice that they are together today."

Paul Alongi can be reached at 298-4746.