Roger Austin Smith

Roger Austin Smith, 88, passed away on December 11, 2012 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. He was one of nine children of the late A. Mack Smith and Keller Austin Smith. A child of the Great Depression, he grew up on a tobacco farm in the Needmore Community of Southern Wake County, poor in possessions but rich in love. Survival required hard work from all family members, and he quickly learned that a strong work ethic and frugality were essential to succeed in life. After graduation from Fuquay High School, he enlisted in the Navy and served until just after the end of World War II. The GI bill allowed him to go to college, and he attended NC State University and ultimately graduated from Medical College of Virginia with a degree in Pharmacy.

Roger met the love of his life, Emily Womble, when he was 17 on a Sunday afternoon trip to New Hill with his brother. He fell for Emily on sight and his love and adoration for her never wavered during the 65 years they were married. After they married, they moved to Richmond, Virginia so he could attend college. He worked at Peoples Pharmacy in Richmond and in Danville, Virginia. They ultimately returned to Raleigh so he could pursue his dream of opening his own drugstore, Brookside Pharmacy, which he owned for 14 years. Roger and Emily had 4 children, all of whom he was very proud. He was a loving and gentle father and worked long days to provide a comfortable life for them. His "first" retirement was in 1985, but he didn't stay idle long as he took care of his first grandson for two years when his daughter went back to work. He was able to relive his carefree childhood through his grandson and they played together every day, which created a very tight bond between the two. He couldn't stay away from pharmacy forever, so he worked part-time at several different drugstores before permanently retiring. He loved his profession, so much so that he continued to take continuing education classes years after he had retired.

He was healthy his entire adult life and was active until his first stroke eight years ago. In fact, he and Emily regularly hiked with a goal to visit all of North Carolina's beautiful state parks. He believed that good health should be cherished and that the body was like a machine that would only rust if you didn't regularly move it. Whether it was tromping through the woods, mowing grass, chopping trees, or working his vegetable garden, he loved to be outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. He taught by example as all of his children embraced a love for immersing themselves in good books, the peace and tranquility of a walk in the woods, and the soul-nurturing value of digging in the dirt. He was a devout Christian who believed there was good in everyone and had a soft spot for those less fortunate. He quietly helped those in need with his generosity and kind words, never with the intentions of recognition and only because he cared. He loved to laugh and had an easy smile that charmed everyone he met.

He is survived by his loving and devoted bride of 65 years, Emily; his four children, Phillip Smith (Robin) of Richmond, VA; Robyn Smith of Raleigh; Randall Smith (Barbara) or Cary; and Lori Smith of Raleigh. His grandchildren, Jordan Harward (Nikki) of Cary; Morgan Smith of Charleston, SC; and Caroline Smith of Columbia, SC; and his newborn great-granddaughter, Cailin Harward. Surviving siblings are Dwight Smith of Danville, VA; Waylon Smith of Fuquay-Varina; Frances Massey of Raleigh; and Estelle Stephens of Wendell.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 14, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Apex Funeral Home, 550 West Williams Street, Apex. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 11:00 am at Apex Funeral Home. Burial will follow immediately at Collins Grove Baptist Church, New Hill.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Roger's memory to Samaritan's Purse. P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.apexfuneral.net.