Wilson L. Smith

MR. WILSON L. SMITH

Mr. Wilson L. Smith, 93, of Salisbury, co-founder of Food Town, community leader and philanthropist, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at Rowan Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Smith was born on August 1, 1917, in Spartanburg, SC, to the late Walter Lee and Hattie Belle Cress Smith. He is survived by Margaret "Evelyeen" Wyatt Smith, his beloved wife of 67 years, son, Ronnie Smith and daughter-in-law Janis of Salisbury, son, Tim Smith and daughter-in-law Rosemary of Morrisville, grandchildren Ashley Smith McMillan and husband Jimmy of Morrisville and Stuart Smith of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and great-granddaughter, Emerson Rose McMillan. Also surviving are Food Town sons, Ronnie and Donnie Marsh. He was preceded in death by a brother Julian Cress Smith.

Mr. Smith was educated in the Salisbury Public Schools, a 1935 graduate of Boyden High School, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Command and Staff College, and was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Lenoir-Rhyne University.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and WWII, he proudly served his country in Europe during the Normandy invasion and was highly decorated with five combat ribbons and the Bronze Star. He also served as commander of the local Air Force Reserve with the rank of Major.

Mr. Smith's long and distinguished career in the supermarket industry began in 1925 at the early age of 8 when he first began delivering groceries to neighbors in a little red wagon for the local curb market. He was later associated with friend and mentor Glenn E. Ketner, Sr. and Ketner's Supermarkets.

In 1957 Mr. Smith, Brown and Ralph Ketner founded Food Town, now Food Lion, recognized today as one of the largest supermarket chains in the nation. He served the company as Operations Vice-President, Secretary and member of the board until his retirement in 1984.

Although small in stature, Mr. Smith was a giant of a human being, a Christian gentlemen, a very people-oriented and caring person, and a wonderful example to all who knew him. He cared deeply for his church, his family, and his company, and was dedicated to serving them throughout his life.

Among his many community and civic activities, he was a dedicated member of St. John's Lutheran Church, where he held positions on the church council, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, chairman of the Benevolent Foundation, chairman of the Stewardship Committee, member of the Resources Board, Head Usher, Golden Opportunity Club member, and member of the board of Trinity Oaks and Lutheran Services for the Aging.

He was very proud to be a member of the Salisbury Kiwanis Club and numerous other service and volunteer organizations. He was active in the local chapter of Military Officers Association of America, and was a past member of the Merchant's Association, Rowan Rose Society, Salisbury Toastmasters Club, Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation, and was an advocate and major supporter for many local charitable organizations. Mr. Smith and his family created the Wilson L. Smith Family Foundation to help support designated medical, educational, religious and humanitarian causes.

Mr. Smith was named the Salisbury Lion's Club Man of the Year, Civitan Club's Citizen of the Year, Rowan County Humanitarian of the Year, and a Kiwanis International George F. Hixson Fellow. He served as Honorary Chairman of Rowan Regional Medical Center's "Partners in Progress" Capital Campaign and was instrumental in helping to establish the Wilson L. Smith Outpatient Center and the Smith Heart and Vascular Center. Catawba College recognized him with their Exemplary Service Medal and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary awarded him the Bachman Award for Distinguished Service. He and his wife also established scholarship programs at Lenoir-Rhyne University and Baddour Memorial Center for challenged adults.

Known especially for his artistic talent, he decorated the lives of hundred of friends and organizations with beautifully designed hand-painted signs and banners for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. He also had a special love for animals, including his cats Buster and Goldie.

A service of Thanksgiving, Praise and Celebration of the life of Wilson Smith will be held on Good Friday, April 22, 2011, at 11:00AM at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dr. Carl E. Sachtleben, Rev. Rhodes Woolly and Rev. Jan Huntley officiating. Visitation will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. A private burial is planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Nehemiah Fund of St. John's Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 or to the Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation, 130 Mocksville Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144 or to the donor's choice.

The family wished to thank our wonderful caregivers and the outstanding medical staff at Rowan Regional Medical Center for their dedication and compassionate care shown the family.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Smith family.

Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

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