Norman "Sonny" Ray Smith

A man who was a servant to his church and community… Norman “Sonny” Ray Smith, age 87, was led through the Gates of Pearl by his Angels on Friday, January 26, 2018, while on a short stay at Heritage Oaks Assisted Living. Sonny was a resident of Brookdale Robinwood for 13 months prior to his stay at Heritage Oaks. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but the interests of others as well” (Phil. 1:4).

Born and raised in Gastonia, Sonny’s name was synonymous in our region with the Boy Scouts of America, dedicating over 75 years of his life to the scouts. Sonny also served as the Head Teller at Bradley United Methodist Church in Gastonia. He retired from the Homelite Plant of Gastonia, where he worked for many years.

Sonny is survived by his sister, Evelyn Sue Smith Rhyne, and one nephew, Michael Scott Rhyne, both of Gastonia.

Sonny was the son of the late Carl D. Smith and Grace Norman Smith. He was also preceded in death by his brother in law Eugene F. Rhyne (husband of Sue Rhyne).

A private graveside and committal service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 29, 2018, at Hollywood Cemetery, 540 North Broad Street, in Gastonia, with the Reverend Debra Short delivering words of comfort and encouragement to Sonny’s family and friends.

Online condolences and expressions of love can be shared on Sonny’s guestbook at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.

Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to be serving the family of Sonny Smith.