Boyd Hector Smith

Boyd Hector Smith, 91 of Morganton, went home to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at Grace Ridge Retirement Community. Born in Jefferson, SC, he was the son of the late Reverend John Hector Smith and Bertha Harrington Smith. He spent his childhood in different towns as his father pastored several churches in the Carolinas. After graduation from high school in Dallas, NC, he attended Presbyterian Junior College (St. Andrews) in Laurinburg, NC, earning a degree in business. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at S.H.A.P.E. in Rocquencourt, France, earning the rank of Sergeant, during the Korean War. Following his military service, he moved to Morganton, NC.

Boyd worked in the business offices of the Knox Company, the Coffey Dental Group, Broughton Hospital, and Western Carolina Center and was Credit Manager at Knob Creek Furniture for many years. He was very active with the Morganton Jaycees and was recognized as one of the outstanding young men in America in 1965. He was a long-time member of the Morganton Kiwanis Club where he served in various leadership roles. He was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and he served as both Elder and Deacon. He was a member of the Christian Education Committee and served as Chairman of the Church School Council. He was an adult advisor for the Senior High Fellowship, President of the Men of the Church and Clower Bible Class. Boyd also served as director of the Concord Presbytery Men’s Council.

Boyd loved Carolina Basketball and enjoyed watching the games with his family. He loved spending time with his wife Bette at Carolina Beach, sitting on the deck overlooking the sound. Boyd also looked forward to his morning work outs at the Phifer Wellness Center. Some of his favorite times were going to Shatley Springs in West Jefferson enjoying his beloved country ham biscuits. Boyd loved spending time with old friends and making new ones. He loved to travel and explore new places, never meeting a stranger.

Boyd and his wife, Bette were married for 61 years. Boyd was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Bette, his twin sister, Barbara Jenkins and brother, Wayne Smith, Sr. He is survived by his two children, Melissa Smith Murphy (Charles) of Raleigh, NC and David Clarke Smith of Willow Spring, NC, and his grandchildren, Laura Murphy, Sarah Murphy, Elizabeth Murphy, and Matthew Smith (Tania).

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 26, at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend John Hagmann officiating. Face covering are required to attend First Presbyterian Church. The family will greet friends following the service in the Church’s Fellowship Hall. The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Grace Ridge for their wonderful and loving care that Boyd received. They would also like to thank Amorem Hospice for their outstanding care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Rd. Morganton, NC 28655 or Phifer Wellness Center, 2165 South Sterling St. Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Watch the service here.