Gilbert D. Smith

Gilbert D. Smith, 81, a lifelong resident of Morganton/Drexel passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Born June 20, 1941, he was the son of the late Webber and Labe Smith and grandson of J.C. and Nettie Digh of Morganton. He is survived by his younger sister Becky Clark (Rusty) of St Petersburg, FL and his younger brother, Don (Lynn) of Morganton. He was a proud uncle to Wesley Smith, Garen Smith, and Destiny Hazra, great niece, Cassidy Caldwell and great nephews, Wesley Smith II, Luke and Noah Smith, Nico Hazra, and great great nephew, Corbin Caldwell, and great great niece, Monroe Caldwell.

Gilbert was a well known plumber in Burke County, having learned the trade in his early 20s. He worked for Penley Plumbing for many years and later became an independent craftsman working for various contractors in the area. He continued working independently until the aging process slowed him down. He was proud of his work and always willing to help out family and friends.

Gilbert was an adventurer, dabbling in various interests over the years. He was on the Morganton Boxing Team and Drexel Boxing Team, winning two Golden Glove Tournaments, tried a little dirt track racing, and enjoyed boating on the various waterways in Burke County. He was proud of his antique 1948 Chevy Coup and often joined other antique car collectors in Valdese on Friday evenings. He maintained his interest in baseball and basketball throughout his life, and was a loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves and NASCAR. His greatest passion was golfing with his buddies at Quacker Meadows with an occasional trip to the shoreside of Myrtle Beach, again with his buddies, always striving for that hole-in-one.

Gilbert leaves behind “his best friend, Boots” who has been by his side for 17 years, and loyal friends whom he always spoke highly of and had a great appreciation for their friendship. As many of them have said recently, “He was just a good ole boy.” And that he was. “Gib” as he was called by his family and friends leaves behind many precious memories that will always be remembered and cherished.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park.

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