Wayne Smithey

Walter “Wayne” Smithey, 81, of Greensboro passed away on Saturday, February 13, surrounded by his three daughters. Wayne was born on August 18, 1939 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, the 7th of 11 children of Otto and Clara Smithey.

Wayne moved to Greensboro as a teenager and graduated from Greensboro High School. Following high school, he joined the Marine Corps, earning the rank of Corporal and proudly serving his country for 4 years. While in the Marines Corps, Wayne met and married the love of his life, Rowena “Ro” Rogers. After Wayne was honorably discharged, he and Ro moved to Greensboro where he had a diverse career including long-time stints at Carolina Steel, Five Star Metals and Independence Securities.

Wayne was known as a strong, loving, caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather, sibling and friend. Many admired his strength, integrity and work ethic. He was an active member of Hickory Grove United Methodist Church.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Ro Smithey, as well as his siblings Ralph Smithey, Ruth Rhoades, Worth Smithey, Lucille Brown and Joyce Hutchens.

He is survived by his three daughters; Rona Sample (Lem), Rae Carter (Rick), and Tracy Crooks (Peter); as well as his 6 grandchildren, Erica Stasny (Charles), Rachel Izant (Rob), Haley Brame (Bo), Wyatt Crooks, Nick Carter and Owen Crooks; and his 2 great-granddaughters, Evelyn Stasny and Olivia Stasny; and his siblings Gladys Anderson, Willa Mae Waddell, Clayton Smithey, Jeri Burkhart and Debbie Bare; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family service was held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday February 20, 2021 at Hickory Gove United Methodist Church officiated by the Reverend Leon Morrow. Committal services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday February 27, 2021 at Guilford Memorial Park.

The family is planning a small, private church service and plans to hold a larger celebration of life later in the year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to express sympathy to send a donation in Wayne’s memory to Hickory Grove United Methodist Church 5959 Hickory Grove Rd., Greensboro, NC 27409