Timothy Smith

1957 - 2025

Timothy (Tim) Wayne Smith, 68, of King, NC and formerly of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at home listening to Christmas music with his wife Debbie on December 12, 2025. Mr. Smith, who bravely battled leukemia for years, had been in declining health for the past several months.

Mr. Smith was born October 10, 1957, in Salisbury, to the late Harry K. Smith, Sr. and the late Janice Jackson Smith.

He was a 1975 graduate of South Rowan High School. Mr. Smith received a B.A. in Elementary Education and Sociology (1979) and a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (1989) from Catawba College and certification in School Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte (1993).

He was a longtime public school educator with the Rowan County and Rowan-Salisbury School Systems. His love was teaching elementary children, and his classrooms were always filled with stimulating displays, exciting learning centers, and fun activities. Mr. Smith began his career as a teacher assistant at Rockwell Elementary School in 1979 under the tutelage of his mentor, principal Jack Walters, and he later taught several grade levels there, but he clearly most enjoyed teaching third grade.

Mr. Smith was the In-School Suspension teacher at West Rowan Junior High School and assistant principal at North Rowan Elementary School.

He became interested in health issues when he was diagnosed with leukemia. For several years Mr. Smith was the Assistant Health Director at the Rowan County Health Department before he returned to the school system where he served as the system's Health Director. Mr. Smith reached his ultimate goal and became the principal of Morgan Elementary School which he immensely enjoyed and for which he was recognized in 2003-2004 as the Rowan-Salisbury Principal of the Year. He then served as principal of Erwin Middle School after which as Student Services Director, he secured a six million dollar grant that significantly expanded health and counseling programs for all children in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools.

Mr. Smith concluded his career in 2010 after 31 years of service. After retirement, he supervised student teachers part-time for UNC-Charlotte.

Mr. Smith was a longtime member of China Grove United Methodist Church. He loved his dogs, children, grandchildren, family and friends. Mr. Smith would do anything for anybody in need, and he had a soft spot in his heart for children who struggled. He was an avid collector of Santa Claus figurines and Tom Clark gnomes. He enjoyed gardening and spending time in the mountains.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debbie Warga Smith of King and formerly of Salisbury; a son, Cameron Smith (Claire) of Hickory; a daughter, Lindsay Snyder (Jacob) of Germanton; three grandchildren, Madeleine Smith, Gabriel Snyder and Samuel Snyder; and a brother, Kenneth Smith of China Grove.

The family extends special thanks and appreciation to Dr. William "Brink" Brinkley, Dr. Doug Shellhorn, Dr. Travis Howell and Trellis Supportive Care of Stokes County staff members Amber Brickell, Cydney High, and Teresa "Mother Teresa" Rosser for the loving care given to Mr. Smith.

A private service was held for the family following entombment at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.

Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society – Charlotte, P.O. Box 11796, Charlotte, NC 28220 or donate.cancer.org to donate online.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home of China Grove is serving the Smith family.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.