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BORN
1942
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Gene Smith Obituary
August 29, 1942 - August 1, 2021
Willard Eugene "Gene" Smith, 78, of Liberty, passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at Wesley Long Hospital.
Gene worked hard for the Liberty Chair Company, Beaman Corporation, Chrisco Machinery Co. and was the owner and operator of Smith Tree Service. Although he was not formally educated, he could perform many jobs that required degrees. Gene was often considered a "man's man" by those who knew him, but was a gentle teddy bear to his children and grandchildren. He was a friend to anyone who was in need. He loved hunting, fishing at the coast, and raising a garden. Gene came up hard and knew the value of a dollar; he strived to provide for his family a life better than he had as a child. His loving ways of teaching provided life lessons to many kids who were brought into his path.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, August 3, 2021 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Loflin Funeral Home of Liberty. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 3572 W. Greensboro-Chapel Hill Road, Liberty, NC with Rev. Noah Albarez officiating. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.
He was the son of the late Willard Prather and Gertrude Shore Smith and was also preceded in death by his wife, Adele "Dalton" Bailey Smith; stepmother, Emma Ramsey Smith; brothers, Howard "Harold" Smith and Marshall "Red" Smith; and great-grandson, Calahan Mosby Nixon.
Surviving is his daughter, Barbara Jean Smith (Jimmy); sons, Wesley E. Smith (Shelene) and Gregory E. Smith (Sharon); grandchildren, Tyson E. Nixon (Denise), Jason Levi Powers (Crystal), Jacklyn Smith Ellis (Thomas), David Willard Powers (Roxanne), Victoria Grace Smith, Caleigh Diane Smith; great-grandchildren, Eli Wyatt Powers, Kelli Adele Powers, Gene Asher Powers, Taisley Grace Ellis, and Brandon Duncan; brothers, Roger Dale Smith (Bonnie), Ernest Prather "Pete" Smith (Denise); sister, Linda Smith Jenkins (Bill); his loving friend and companion, Brenda Staley; mother of his sons, Betsy Edwards; and his beloved dog, Red.
Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.LoflinFH.com.
Loflin Funeral Home of Liberty is honored to serve the Smith family.
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4 Entries
Eva Lamb
August 4, 2021
Gene Smith was a kind man that loved his family. I remember him cutting a tree down for me years ago. He had the gift of meeting new people and taking the time to get to know you. I hope my grandchild will love me as much as I know several of his grandchildren love him. He will be missed!!
Carolyn Hayden Welker Davis
August 3, 2021
So sorry to learn of Gene's passing. Met Gene and Betsy when my ex-husband worked with him at Beaman's. Nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God give you strength and comfort.
Kim Daniels
August 3, 2021
Enjoyed working with Gene at ChrisCo Machinery, loved his fishing stories, hundred's of adventure's deer hunting and all the trouble he and his brothers got into. He will be missed by all.
Chip Butler
August 3, 2021
I am sorry to hear about Gene's passing. He was a good man and I enjoyed our conversations in the office. He always had a funny story to tell.
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