Jack D. Smith

Jack D. Smith, 83, of Morganton, NC died peacefully on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center while surrounded by his family. Born in Clay County, WV on July 21, 1927, he was the son of the late Grover and Mary Hollar Smith.Jack retired from Drexel Heritage Furnishings with 44 years of service as personnel manager. Jack’s life centered around his passion for church, friends, and his great joy in spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, serving many years as secretary/treasurer of the Aldersgate Sunday School Class. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served during the Korean Conflict.In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother Carl "Bud" Smith, Harold "Smitty" Smith and wife, Lolita, and Winston "Wink" Smith; a brother-in-law, W.R. Bill Allen of Maryville, TN; and a special grandson, Andrew Stephen Smith.Jack is survived by his wife, Betty Williams Smith of the home; three wonderful and loving sons, Michael Smith and wife, Harriet, Brian Smith and wife, Sherri, and Jeffery Smith and wife, Becky; grandchildren, Rev. Matthew Smith and wife, Joanna of Cashiers, NC; Tara, Madison, Ian, and Payne Smith of Morganton; great-grandsons, Simon and David Moses Hudson Smith of Cashiers; sisters, WilRose Allen of Maryville, TN and Janice Smith and husband, Wayne, Sr. of Morganton; a sister-in-law, Twila Smith of Omaha, NE; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 17, 2011 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Rev. Todd McCullough officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service. A private inurnment will be held at another time. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Discretionary Fund, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.