Ernest Richard Smith

Ernest Richard Smith, 73, of Morganton passed away Sunday, February 17, 2019.  Born in Burke County, NC on June 6, 1945, he was the son of the late Ernest Hunter Smith and Mary Duckworth Smith.  Ernest was a veteran of the US Army and retired from the Burke County Sheriff’s office with over 30 years of service.  He enjoyed football and basketball, and was inducted into the Glen Alpine Football Hall of Fame.  He loved his family dearly.

Mr. Smith is survived by his son, Jeff Smith (Lisa) of Morganton; grandson, Hunter Smith; brother, Steve Smith; sisters, Arlene Mayfield and Helen Gwyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his wife, Bennie Mae Whisnant Smith; and 3 sisters.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, February 22, 2019 in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Bob Benfield officiating.  Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.