Patrick Robert Smith, 84, of Royal Wootton Bassett, was a familiar figure in the High Street, where he enjoyed greeting people outside his home near the Town Hall.

A tribute from family members noted: “Everyone knew the man with the happy, smiling face.”

A large congregation attended the funeral at St Bartholomew’s Church, Royal Wootton Bassett, where there were tributes to Mr Smith’s long record of Christian service, his calm, genial personality and his key role in the church community.

He was a server and sacristan for more than 40 years at St Sampson’s Church, Cricklade, the town where he was born and raised. In retirement at Royal Wootton Bassett, he worshipped faithfully at St Bartholomew’s.

The Rev Kenneth Withington, a retired vicar who was at Cricklade for 23 years, said: “Pat was marvellous, utterly loyal and calm, with quiet dignity and special delight in church festivals.”

Michael Page read family tributes to the man whose kindness and generosity were appreciated by his nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces, who knew him as Unc. Mr Smith is survived also by his two sisters.

The Rev Vicki Burrows said: “He didn’t have children of his own, but his nephews and nieces meant the world to him,” she said.

Mr Smith had a clerical job before spending most of his working life at the glove factory in Cricklade. Latterly he worked at the Marriott Hotel and twice was nominated as employee of the year. His wider interests included antiques, wine-making and gardening.

Mr Smith planned his own funeral service, which included three hymns, two psalms, the Nunc Dimittis, a reading from the Book of Wisdom and a poem, Abou Ben Adhem, read by Christopher Hewer.

The service in church was followed by interment at the town cemetery, after which everyone was invited to Charrins Bar & Grill. Memorial donations, for Prospect Hospice or Wiltshire Air Ambulance, may be sent c/o Johnson & Daltrey, 112, High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.