Ivey Eugene Smith

Ivey Eugene Smith, 82, of Morganton, NC passed away, Monday, August 9, 2021. Born on August 8, 1939, he was the son of the late Ivey Alexander Smith and Geneva Johnson Smith. Ivey retired in 1998 from Drexel Heritage after 37 years of service as Vice President of Case Goods and Engineering. Two years later, he went back to work for Bernhardt Furniture as an Overseas Consultant and he retired there after 10 years. After graduating from Salem High School, he entered the Air Force where he served four years.  During that time, he was on assignment in Alaska when it became the 49th state.  After military service, he attended Western Piedmont, and Appalachian State University, where he earned a BS in Business and a Master’s of Public Administration.

Ivey loved his family more than anything. He was the best PawPaw who was always supportive, present, and so very proud of his family. You could find him early every morning at Carolina Diner, Timberwoods, or Hillbilly Truck Stop helping to solve the world’s problems with his breakfast buddies.

Ivey is survived by his son, Brian Smith and his wife Robin, his only grandson, Peyton Smith and his only granddaughter, Landri Smith all of Morganton; sisters, Linda Cook of Chapel Hill, NC; Dr. Joanne Brannon of Asheville, and brother David Smith of Valdese. Nieces: Melanie Salm of Jupiter, Florida, Donna Maciejewski of Chapel Hill, and Ashley Farmer of St. Helena Island, SC.  Other survivors include his best buddy, Bruce Pollard, and all of his many buddies from his daily breakfast club.

In addition to his parents, Ivey is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Alma Nadine Buff Smith, who died one month earlier on July 9, 2021.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The family will greet friends following the service. Military honors will be provided by the US Air Force and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard. After cremation, burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice, formerly Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

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