Ralph Parkinson Smiley

Ralph Parkinson Smiley

GREENVILLE - Ralph Parkinson Smiley, US Air Force (Retired), 85, passed peacefully at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC on September 19, 2018 surrounded by his family.

He was always interested and engaged in the world around him with a story to share and a willingness to help. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan Kelly Smiley originally from Cameron, NC, his four daughters and their families, a large extended Smiley family, and many friends.

His is the son of Wendell and Elva Smiley of Greenville, NC. Surviving siblings are Sara Lommatzsch of Riverside, OH and Steve Smiley of Wilmington, NC. He was preceded in death by brothers Scott of Longwood. FL and Wayne of Lancaster, KY. Daughters are Lois Marshall of Goldsboro, Susan Joan Smiley Baker (Scott) of Cary, NC; Tisha Church Daughton (David) of Raleigh, NC and Kelly Ann Wheeler of Southlake, TX. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are David Marshall and Brody of Monrovia, MD, Kathryn Johnson (Chad) and Westin and Emery of Las Vegas, NV; Robby Baker of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Chris Church (Kelly) of Raleigh, NC, Beth Church Menard (Chris) of Knightdale, NC, and Colby Daughton of Raleigh, NC; Travis Wheeler (Paula) of Raleigh, NC and Nolin Wheeler of Southlake, TX. There are also numerous grand-dogs. The six grandsons will serve as pall bearers.

Lt. Col. (Retired) Smiley served a distinguished career in the US Air Force as a navigator on the B2-52. He had a second 20-year career as a teacher in the Wayne County School System. He attended the US Coast Guard Academy and graduated from East Carolina University with undergraduate and graduate degrees. His hobbies and interests were wide and varied. He loved playing Legos with his grandchildren, carrying the flag in Sons of the American Revolution patriot recognition ceremonies, and reading just about anything. He served his community in numerous formal and informal roles. He spent countless happy days on the shores of the Pamlico River at homes in Rest Haven and Island View.

Family visitation will be at 9:30am preceding a funeral service at 11:00 on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro, NC. Burial will follow at 3:00 at Rocky Fork Christian Church in Sanford.

Memorials can be made to Friends of the Joyner Library, East Carolina University, 1000 East 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858.

As published in The Daily Reflector