Glenn Franklin Smith

Mr. Glenn “Catbird” Franklin Smith, age 82, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017. He was born to the late Tom Hunt and Maybell Smith on March 19, 1935 in Rutherford County. Glenn was owner and operator of Amherst Automotive. He was a kind and friendly man. Glenn will be greatly missed.

Along with his parents, Glenn is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Benfield; two brothers, Sebastian Watts and Carl Abee; and a special friend, Bessie Nichols.

Glenn is survived by two daughters, Teresa Dockery and Melissa Eckard (Rodney); five grandchildren, Chris (Brandy), Heather (Brent), Tammy, Bryan and Haleigh; six great grandchildren, Will, Avie, Olivia, Glenn Andrew, Callen and Jon; a brother, Ben Abee; a longtime companion, Jeanette Anderson; three special friends, Punch and Doug Nichols and Katie Hoffman; and all the girls at Buds. Also surviving are numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 8, 2017 in the chapel of Kirksey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at funeral home.

The family suggests memorial be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd. Valdese, NC 28690.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.