Vernon Lee Smith

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 63 years, Zelita Newman Smith, and his sons, Gerald M. Smith, of Raleigh, and Steven Wesley Smith and wife, Yvonne, and their two daughters, Ashley Newman Smith and Molly Christian Smith, of Cary. Mr. Smith is also survived by his sister, Maggie Smith Goodwin; his nephew, Robert O. Goodwin; his niece, Louise Goodwin Shirley, and their families.

Mr. Smith was a member of Athens Drive Baptist Church for more than 35 years, where he had served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and on several committees. He was a profoundly religious man, with a deep abiding faith in God and a love of Jesus Christ.

Mr. Smith was a World War II veteran, having served in the US Navy. Following military service, he was employed by Southland Life Insurance before entering the automotive business with Sanders Motor Company, Courtesy Dodge and finally joining John McCurley at Old Hickory Motors in Durham. In retirement, Mr. Smith was an entrepreneur, woodworker and gardener.

The family of Mr. Smith wishes to express its gratitude to Dr. Roy Cromartie, the staff of Cancer Centers of North Carolina, and the compassionate caregivers at UniHealth Post Acute Raleigh.

A service to celebrate the life of Vernon Lee Smith will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 6, 2011, in the chapel at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, NC. The family will receive friends at Brown-Wynne prior to the service, from 10-11 AM.

A private interment will follow immediately at Hillcrest Cemetery, also in Cary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Athens Drive Baptist Church, 1601 Athens Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, or to a charity of one’s choice.