July 4, 1943 – November 29, 2022
Willard Guy Smith, Sr., passed away on Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 in his home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Willard was born July 4, 1943, in Burke County to the late William Smith and Pansy Smith. He served honorably in the US Army as a rifle specialist, and was a retired truck driver of 50 years. Willard loved God and his family and was a lifelong, faithful member of North Catawba Baptist Church. He loved to tinker, hunt, and fish.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Lydia Smith; and in-laws, Reeves and Tracy Pennington.
He’s survived by his wife, Patsy Smith; daughters, Dee & husband Jerald Shytle, Angel & husband Travis McMahan, Tina & husband Gene Burwell, Kisha & husband Timothy Hartley; son Willard Smith 2nd and wife Rachel; grandchildren, Machae & husband Corey Carswell, Brandon Foster, Desiree & husband Dominique Patterson, Addison Hartley, Daylen Hartley, Daysha Burwell, Evie Smith, Levi Smith; and great grandchildren, Bentley Carswell, Hayden Foster, Jaxon Foster, Winter Carswell, Dominique Patterson Jr. and Amiirah Patterson.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 4:00 PM at North Catawba Baptist Church with Pastor Ned Webb and Pastor David Brown officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Sunday prior to the service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the church.
Pall bearers will be, Gene Burwell, Travis McMahan, Timothy Hartley, Jerald Shytle, Willard Smith 2nd, Corey Carswell, Brandon Foster, and Daylen Hartley.
My deepest sympathies to the family
We’re so sorry to hear about Willard’s passing. He was a kind and gentle man who loved his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May God bless and comfort you all now and in the days ahead.
Dearest Pat & Family – While I know your loss. Is great and the pain you feel is deep, you have so many many wonderful memories of a man of strength. This man at times was full of mischief and joking, but who loved his wife, children and grandchildren dearly and placed them first in his heart. I encourage you to dwell on this in your days ahead.
You will be missed uncle Willard
I really enjoyed helping Pat with Willards care in November, and getting to know the family and the love and care his family has for him.