Howard Smith

Howard Smith, 86, of Salisbury, passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, at W.G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC. He was born December 28, 1936, in Knott County, KY, one of six sons of the late Samuel and Bertha Robinson Smith. Mr. Smith was a 1955 Graduate of Hindman High School and was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War before his honorable discharge in December 1962. He began his career with Ford Motor Company in California before eventually settling in Faith, NC. He ended his working career with Cloninger Ford. Forever a “Ford Guy,” he enjoyed antique cars, especially his 1965 Ford Mustang. Mr. Smith bled blue being a diehard Kentucky Wildcats fan. He was a skilled and competitive checkers player and was recently crowned the 2023 Checkers Champion at the W.G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center. Mr. Smith was a member of Rowan Christian Assembly where he was devoted for 28 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Hargis, Herman, and Hobert Smith. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife Juanita Feltner Smith, whom he married October 9, 1985; children, Steven Smith of IN, Brian Smith and wife, Sharon, of IN, and Melinda Smith of NC; two step-sons, Dion Short and wife, Mary, of NC and Darvin Short of KY; brothers, Herbert Smith and wife, Nancy, of CA and Homer Smith of IN. He had five grandchildren, Megan Smith Rhodes and husband, Digger of IN; Nick Smith and wife, Julie of IN; Jessica Smith of IN; Kelly Short of NC; Bella Smith of NC. He had six great-grandchildren and highly regarded uncle, cousin and friend to many. Arrangements: The family will greet friends and relatives at Hindman Funeral Home on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 10am-11am family viewing, 11am-1pm public viewing and the funeral will begin at 1pm. The funeral service will be held at 619 Hindman Bypass Hindman, KY 41822, with Pastors Arthur Holland, Josh Feltner and Kevin Whidden officiating. Burial will follow at Fisty Cemetery in Fisty, KY. Memorials: Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the staff at W.G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center for taking such great care of our loved one. Powles Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.