Eugene "Gene" Dalton Smith

HICKORY - Eugene “Gene” Dalton Smith of Hickory passed away Saturday, August 23rd at his home. Gene, also known as Papa, was born February 24, 1929 in Statesville, N.C. to the late James Warner and Olivia Beatrice Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lee Roy Smith, his sister, Patsy Jenkins, his son-in-law, Charles Oberle and his grandsons, Cody Smith and James Howard. Gene graduated from Statesville High School in 1948 and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also served in the Army in Japan for two years. On July 1, 1956 he married the former Phyllis Eileen Eisele in Statesville, NC. Gene was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church and was employed by Proctor and Gamble, was a Nationwide Agent in Hickory for 28 years, long time member of Catawba Country Club, served on the Hickory Board of Education for 10 plus years and during his tenure he was Chairman for four years, tutored at Viewmont Elementary teaching children how to read for a decade, and a former member of the Jaycees. Gene enjoyed swimming at the YMCA, enjoyed watching all sports, playing cards and never met a stranger. Gene is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis Eisele Smith, of Hickory, N.C., seven children, Eddie Smith and friend, Sandy Ervin, Steven Smith and his wife, Gina, Deborah Oberle, Alex Smith and his wife, Karla, Pat Smith and his wife, Susan, Alicia Howard and her husband, Scott, Bea Good and her husband, Randy, his sister, Marion Chamberlain, his brother, Jim Smith and his wife, Susie, his brother, Bob Hall and his wife, Maureen. He is survived by his grandchildren, Clay Smith, Ashley Smith, Sarah Smith, Dana Dellinger, Tyler Smith, Erik Smith, Nick Oberle, Dalton Oberle, Caroline Smith, Olivia Howard, Alison Oberle, Rachel Good, Julia Smith, Parker Howard, Thomas Good and a great granddaughter Lily Smith. The Prayer Service and receiving of friends will be at St. Aloysius Catholic Church Monday August 25th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. A celebration of life service will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 26th at 11 AM with Father Ed Sheridan presiding. His sons and sons-in-law will serve as pallbearers. Inurnment will follow at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, N. C. 28658 or to St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 921 2nd St., NE, Hickory, N. C. 28601. Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com. Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.