Norman E. "Coach" Smith

Norman Earl "Coach" Smith
Fayetteville
Norman Earl "Coach" Smith passed away on August 5, 2012 at Cape Fear Valley Hospital. Born in Micro, North Carolina on May 27, 1917, he is preceded in death by his mother and father Harvey and Madie Smith and his younger siblings Clinnon, Floyd, David, Virgie, Pauline, and Ed. He is survived by his devoted wife Florence Smith. He is also survived by his children Ann Burrows of Greenville, NC, David Smith and wife Linda of New Orleans, LA, and Robert Smith of Charleston, SC; his step-children Pamela Richards and husband Milani of Fayetteville, NC and Mary Whitfield and husband Robert of Augusta, GA; and his grandchildren Scott Burrows, Melissa Marshburn and husband Christopher, Imogen Myslinski and husband Ryan, Mayde Pokorny and husband Dan, Slake Richards, Katherine Richards, Errol Smith, Sasha Watkins and husband John, Brian Whitfield, and Kristin Whitfield. "Coach" Earl Smith had a prolific career in college sports spanning over 30 years and culminating in his induction into the Pirate Hall of Fame in 1.977, the Campbell University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1986, and finally the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2003, After retiring as a coach he became a professional baseball scout for the San Diego Padres.
"Coach" Earl Smith's career was both prolific and deeply personal. His players were loved and remembered by him throughout his entire life, and they honored their coach throughout the many years following their respectable seasons. He was very proud of his career as coach, scout, and teacher, but this pride was rooted not in his accomplishments, but rather the relationships he cultivated and the lives he influenced.
Much like his professional career, Earl Smith's personal life was something to be honored and revered as well. He was a loving and strong father to each of his children and step-children; a devoted and generous grandfather to every grandchild, always eager to share a story of glory and grandeur in all its varieties; and a thoughtful friend and companion to those closest to him and any sort of curious soul.
And in a life filled with so much regard there was one spotlight Earl shown on one special person: his wife Florence Smith. In the 30 years they spent together Florence and Earl Smith created the happiest of marriages and friendships with one another, allowing their love to enfold the many people around them. Earl Smith left this earth on a Sunday, the beginning of the week and the holy day, the day we reserve for love.
in lieu of flowers the family asked that contributions be made to Campbell University Athletic department and East Carolina University Athletic department.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in Jernigan-Warren Chapel with the Rev. Sherrill Boykin, Rev. J.P. Johnson, Dr. Dickey Parrish, officiating. Burial will follow in Cumberland Memorial Gardens. The family will receive family and friends at the funeral home Wed. August 8, 2012 from 11:00 till 12:45 p.m. Please make online condolences at www.jerniganwarren.com. Services entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.