Wayne Harrington Smith, Sr.

Wayne Harrington Smith, Sr., 89, of Morganton, NC passed away Friday, November 20, 2015 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care surrounded by his family. Born in Troy, NC on April 15, 1926, he spent his childhood in Jefferson, SC. Wayne was the son of the late Rev. John Hector Smith and Bertha Harrington Smith. Wayne was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII serving in the European Theater. After the war he graduated from Elon College with a B.A. in Business. Wayne was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where he had served as both a deacon, elder and on numerous committees. He especially loved his fellowship with the Men’s Bible Class. Wayne was a former employee of Drexel Furniture and Henredon companies. He owned and operated both the Morganton Firestone Store and the White Auto Store. Most of all, Wayne loved the time he spent with his wife, children and extended family.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janice Smith of the home; children, Cindy Monroe (Phil) of Lancaster, SC, Mitzi Price (Andy) of Shelby, NC, Wayne Smith, Jr. (Tonja) of Morganton, and Dawn Cook (Steve) of Asheville, NC; grandchildren, Leon Monroe (Lisa) Chase, Megan, and Keri Price, Eli and Emily Smith, Cooper and Reid Cook; great-grandson, Olen Monroe; brother, Boyd Smith (Bette) of Morganton; sister, Barbara Jenkins of Black Mountain, NC; sister-in-law, Betty Smith of Morganton; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins whom he loved.
In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Ernest Jenkins and Jack Smith.
A family graveside service was held at Burke Memorial Park with military honors. A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at 2:30, Sunday, November 29, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Michael Bailey officiating. The family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, c/o Men’s Bible Class Endowment Fund, 100 Silver Creek Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.The family would like to thank the staff from Burke Primary Care, Healthy at Home and Burke Hospice for all their loving care Wayne received.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.