Howard B. Smith, 96, of Connelly Springs, NC passed away peacefully in his home Friday, August 25, 2023.
Born in Burke County, NC on December 23, 1926, he was the son of the late John Pinkney Smith and Ella Buff Smith. Howard was a World War 2 veteran and finished his military career serving his country in the Army Air Corps. He worked most of his working career in the machine room at both Drexel Heritage and Henredon Furniture companies, ultimately retiring from Henredon. Howard had a great love and passion for both farming and gardening.
Howard was a devoted husband, father of 3, grandfather of 4, and great-grandfather of 5. He will be greatly missed. However, we will always cherish the wonderful memories that we all share of him. We have great comfort and peace knowing that he is reunited with his loving wife, Hazel, of 72 + years, as he greatly mourned her passing since September of 2022.
In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel York Smith; brothers, Franklin Smith, John Smith, Alvin Smith, Ace Smith, and Joe Smith; sisters, Iva Cook, Maybelle Swink, Sudie Falls, Lucy Lail, Florence Cook, Annie Maude Lowery, and Helen Smith; and an infant sister.
He is survived by his daughter; Betty Smith; sons, Dennis Smith and wife, Martha, and Kenneth Smith and wife, Tracy Walker Smith; grandchildren, Kendra Kelley and husband, Justin, Nicholas Smith and husband, Austin, Crystal Rogers and husband, Will, and Beth Velasquez and husband, Victor, great-grandchildren; Chloe Kelley and Abram Kelley, Dawson and Sophie Rogers, and Elizabeth Velasquez; and brother; Melvin Reed Smith.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church with Pastors Randy Cook, Jackie Price, and Keith Fulbright officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Via Hospice for the wonderful care they took of our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Howard and Hazel were both great folks. Prayers are with the family at this time.
Uncle Howard had the amazing ability to tell such wonderful stories of our family with great detail--even in later years--I will always remember & cherish those times.
To all of the Family may you find comfort and peace In the loving arms of our savior Lord Jesus Christ. You will be in my thoughts and payers. Paw Paw was a good man but he missed maw maw now they are reunited in heaven.
Betty and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. While I didn't know him, his obit says to me he was a very special man.
Howard was a wonderful friend and neighbor. Before my parents passed, he kept a watch over their place to make sure they were safe. I enjoyed getting to talk with him and listening to his stories of growing up and his military service. Howard will be greatly missed.
Sending prayers to the family. I always loved visiting with him and Hazel when I was younger. He always picked on me and had a wonderful smile and laugh.God rest his soul.
Thank you for your service young man, God bless and God's speed !