Ira Edwin Smith, Jr.

Ira Edwin Smith, Jr., 87, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at the NC Veterans Home in Black Mountain. He was born in Morganton on April 5, 1928 to Ira E. Smith Sr. and Una Belle Denton Smith. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Lois Hinceman.
Ira graduated from Glen Alpine High School and served in the US Navy in the Mediterranean at the end of WW II. He worked at Great Lakes Carbon Corp. for 32 years until retirement. He was active in the church as deacon, dedicated choir member, and bus driver his entire adult life. He enjoyed traveling and riding his bicycle. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was loved by all who knew him.
Ira is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice Walker Smith; his daughters, Alicia Shumate and her husband, John, and Amy Ende and her husband, John; and grandchildren, Clare, Patrick, and Abbey Ende. Also surviving are his sisters, Edith Renfroe, Jean Neal, and Una Christine Reep and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 2, at First Baptist Church in Morganton with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church parlor. Donations may be made in Ira’s memory to the First Baptist Church Music Department at PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.