Clinton James Smith

Clinton James Smith, 92, of 435 N. Turkey Creek Road, Leicester, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 16, 2004, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. A native of Buncombe County, he was a son of the late Fred and Gertrude Pounders Smith and was also preceded in death by four brothers, Joe, Roy, Riley and Arnold; two sisters, Bonnie and Ruthie and a son-in-law, David Ray Bishop. Mr. Smith was a member of Beulah Baptist Church where he was a deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher and sang in the adult choir. He was a farmer and retired from American Enka. He was a fox hunter, enjoyed southern gospel music and was the father of the Smith Family Singers. He was a devoted care giver to his wife of 70 years, “Bit”, and also a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved his family dearly. A wonderful Christian man, he set a great example for his family and all he came in contact with. All who knew him enjoyed his humorous personality. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Bessie Mae McElreath Smith; four daughters and their husbands, Sarah Ann and Joe Stevens, Marlene and Dan Weaver, Linda and Mack Brooks and Ruby and Earl Wolfe; three sons and their wives, Jack and Betty Smith, Rev. Bobby and Sharon Smith and Ronnie and Dorothy Smith; ten grandchildren and their spouses, Deborah and Randy Dowdle, Danny and Penny Stevens, Diana and Howell Pegg, Tricia and William Redden, Jackie and Johnny Sparks, Rev. Ricky and Chrissy Wolfe, Kim and Greg Jones, Timmy Smith, Jayme Smith and Matthew Smith; fifteen great-grandchildren, Brittney, Allison, Shelley, Lindsey, Brian, Michael, Patrick, Preston, Lauren, Tyler, Madison, Ashlyn, Dylan, Austin and Allie Grace; a brother, Van Smith; two sisters, Edith Miller and Frankie Ingle and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday at Beulah Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Phillips, Rev. Bobby Smith, son, and Rev. Rick Wolfe, grandson, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Randy Dowdle, Danny Stevens, William Redden, Johnny Sparks, Greg Jones, Jayme Smith, Timmy Smith and Matthew Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons and trustees of Beulah Baptist Church. His family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 pm Sunday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue and at other times at the home. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 373 North Turkey Creek Road, Leicester, NC 28748. Mr. Smith’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the nursing staff and chaplains at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their loving care and guidance.