Dr. Albert Mason "Coonie" Smith

Dr. Albert Mason "Coonie" Smith, 93, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Greenville, North Carolina.
Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to the late Wilbourne Mason Smith and Edna Mae Smith. Dr. Smith served his country as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Following his military service, he married the love of his life, Carol Anne Longenecker, with whom he shared a devoted marriage until her passing in 2019. He earned his master's degree and Ph. D. from North Carolina State University.
Dr. Smith was one of the original faculty members of the East Carolina University School of Medicine in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, retiring as Professor Emeritus. After retirement, he and his wife made their home in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, where he was a faithful member of Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church.
Known affectionately as "Coonie," he loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed spending time at the beach with family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Smith, and her wife, Dr. Wanda Lancaster; his son, Mike Smith, and his wife, Krissy; his grandson, Cole Smith, and his wife, Nikki; and his great-grandchildren, Mason and Addison Smith, all of Greenville, North Carolina.
A memorial service date is pending at the time due to weather.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina at https://hsecarolina.kindful.com/, or the Outer Banks SPCA at https://www.obxspca.org/donate/.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Albert Mason "Coonie" Smith, please visit our floral store.