Eugene Henry Smith

DURHAM: Eugene Henry Smith, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Durham. Born on April 20, 1941, in Washington, DC, Eugene lived a life full of dedication, service, and love, reaching the age of 84.

Eugene proudly served his country as a Boiler Tender in the United States Navy for four years. Following his honorable service, he embarked on a distinguished career at NASA, where he worked as a Stationary Engineer for 38 years. His commitment to excellence and his work ethic were admired by all who knew him.

A man of many interests, Eugene found joy in woodworking, solving puzzles, restoring classic cars, and observing the beauty of birds. Above all, he cherished his Bibles and was a devoted member of the Bible Baptist Church, where he found spiritual nourishment and community.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Angela Matilda Soares Smith and Parker Wiley Smith; his sister, Elizabeth Lanoue; and his brothers, Russell and Dale Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Ann Holder Smith; his brothers, William and John Smith; his daughters, Kellie Renne Turner (Eric), Kimberly Ann Trautman (Carl), and Jennifer Marie Helton (Michael); and his grandchildren, Samantha Grace Turner, Bailey Noel Turner, Alexander Trautman, William Parker Trautman (Katie), Nathan Philip Trautman (Mandy), Esther Mary Trautman, Daniel Abell Trautman, Samuel Levi Trautman, Caleb Asher Trautman, Tirzah Grace Trautman, Isaiah Paul Helton (Naomi), and Abigail Laurel Kramer (Kason). Eugene also leaves behind two cherished great-grandchildren, Ember Starr Helton and Evelyn Kramer.

Eugene loved his family deeply and treasured every moment spent with them. His legacy of love, strength, and faith will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on July 18, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Bible Baptist Church. A funeral service celebrating Eugene's life will follow at 2:00 PM officiated by Rev. Jimmy Hall, Rev. Greg Allison, Pastor Michael Helton, and Pastor Eric Turner. Burial will be at South Granville Memorial Gardens, 3040 Old North Carolina 75, Stem, NC 27581

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bible Baptist Church, 2047 Gate 2 Rd, Butner, NC 27509.

Eugene Henry Smith will be dearly missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the grace and love he so generously shared throughout his life.