JOHN WALTER SMITH
July 9, 1938-Feb. 9, 2017
John Walter Smith, 78, Goldsboro, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at Vidant Medical Center surrounded by his family.
John was born in Wayne County July 9, 1938, to the late Earl Wilbert Smith and Mildred Dees Smith.
He was a man of many talents, but his first and favorite occupation, however, was a farmer, and many of his happiest times were spent atop one of his tractors on the family farm.
John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, and was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana when he was honorably discharged.
In later years, John was a lover of nature, and enjoyed mowing the grass around the pond at the farm.
He also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, the country he loved, with family and friends.
John will always be remembered for his love of catching up on the latest news with the men at Coker’s Feed Mill, as well as his true love of family, friends and the simple life.
A service celebrating John’s life will be held Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home, with the Rev. Barry Teague officiating.
The family will receive friends Sunday following the service at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at his home.
Interment will be Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, at 10 a.m. in Eastern Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery in Goldsboro with military honors.
John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Smith; daughter, Teresa Haithcock and husband, Johnnie; grandchildren, Emily Corbett, Brian Corbett and wife, Ashley, Kyle Corbett and wife, Kelli, Dustin Smith and wife, Brittany, Kelsey Fields and Hailey Fields; and great-grandchildren, Izzie Corbett, Kendall Corbett, Max Tate and Saylor Corbett.
He is also survived by his sister, Ann Smith Best; sister-in-law, Jessie Smith; special cousins, Ruby Gurley and husband, Woody, and Dell Combs; and several special nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dwayne Alan Smith; great-grandson, Shawn Tate; and brother, Archie Earl Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on February 12, 2017 2:11 PM