Marvin “Joe” Smith

Marvin “Joe” Smith, 85, of Morganton, NC passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2016.  Joe was born in Burke County, NC on December 6, 1930.  He was the son of the late Theodore Roosevelt Smith and Texie Anna Swink Smith.  Joe was a 3-time recipient of the Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War with the U.S. Army.  He retired from Drexel Heritage Furniture Company and was a member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church where he was a deacon, Sunday school director and teacher, and usher.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Bonnie Lail Phillips Smith of the home; sons, Michael W. Smith, Todd Phillips and his wife, Pam, and Eric Phillips and his wife, Dawn; grandchildren, Robin and Christopher Smith and their mother, Debbie Shuping Smith, Meghan and Janet Smith and their mother, Alice Smith, Ashley and Cameron Phillips, and Mason and Zachary Phillips; and siblings, Jerry, John, Bob, Emanuel, Cuteene, and Clara.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Smith; a son, Steve Smith; 5 brothers; and 4 sisters.

The family will receive friends from 2- 3 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Cross Memorial Baptist Church.  The memorial service will be held at the church at 3 p.m. with Dr. Jeffrey Beach and Mike Smith officiating.  Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by the N.C. National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Memorial Baptist Church, 650 Enola Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

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