Smith Dennis Lingerfelt

Smith Dennis Lingerfelt of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, nine days short of his 88th birthday. He was born on September 23, 1937, in Asheville, NC.

Smith is survived by his devoted wife, Rhonda Harvey Lingerfelt; children, Alan Lingerfelt (Sarah Brown), Jeff Lingerfelt (Jenny), Ginni Gendron (Ernie), and Jon Lingerfelt;

stepchildren, Maggie Puryear (Jason) and Alex Pollard (Neely); eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters; many beloved nieces and nephews; and his dear friend and living donor, Betsy Huddle Consolvo.

Smith enjoyed a long career, retiring from both Alcoa and the City of Shelby, NC. He remained deeply engaged in his community, giving his time generously as a volunteer in the local schools, at the Life Enrichment Center in Shelby, and later at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh.

A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Smith was a true naturalist. He studied the plants, birds, trees, and wildflowers around him and never lost his sense of wonder at their beauty. He was also an avid reader who treasured learning throughout his life. Above all, Smith cherished time spent with his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 125 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603. A reception will follow in Shepherd's Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd.

Keep a clear eye towards life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature. What you are in His sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth; you can take nothing you have received but only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.

-St. Francis of Assisi