Franklin Boyd Smith

Franklin Boyd Smith, 89, of Connelly Springs, NC died Friday, March 28, 2014. Born in Burke County, NC on May 14, 1924, he was the son of the late John Pinkney Smith and Ella Buff Smith. Franklin retired from Drexel Heritage Furniture Company after 46 years of service. He was a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and a Deacon for over 50 years.Franklin is survived by his children, Earl F. Smith and wife, Verlie, of Connelly Springs, Thomas R. Smith and wife, Lavon of Morganton, Carol Stroupe of Morganton, Walter A. Smith and wife, Joanne of Connelly Springs, Lee Ervin Smith of Ellenboro, NC, Barbara Townsend of Connelly Springs, John B. Smith and wife, Judy of Connelly Springs, Faye Green of Morganton, Billy R. Smith and wife, Relinda of Vale, Donald L. Smith and wife, Annice of Connelly Springs and Linda R. Foster and husband, Robert of Morganton; sister, Iva Cook of Casar, NC; brothers, Howard Smith and wife, Hazel of Connelly Springs, Ace Smith and wife, Joann of Connelly Springs, Joe Smith and wife, Leattle of Connelly Springs and Melvin Reed Smith of Valdese; thirty grandchildren; 65 great grandchildren and 30 great great grandchildren.In addition to his parents, Franklin was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Smith; brothers, John Henry Smith, Alvin Odell Smith; sisters, Maybelle Smith Swink, Sudie Smith Falls, Lucy Smith Lail, Florence Smith Cook, Annie Meade Smith Lowery, Helen Smith and an infant sister; granddaughter, Kimberly Dawn Smith King and great granddaughter, Allison Sprouse.The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, March 31, 2014 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church with Rev. Jackie Price officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to Annie Armstrong Mission, North American Mission Board, P.O. Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543. The family would like to thank Burke Hospice and Palliative Care for the wonderful care they provided to our loved one.