When the sun broke through after the storm on Thursday afternoon, Brock Smith slipped away peacefully without regret or complaint. He left behind 95 years of a life spent radiating goodness to all who knew him. A fighter to the end, “Brock the Rock” earned this name in the boxing ring, on the battlefield, and throughout his life standing up for others in need. Apathy was not in him. He cared. He loved. He gave from his heart.
He and his twin sister, Jane, were the first of two sets of twins of the ten children born to Tracy and Grover Smith. On his 18th birthday, Brock joined the U.S. Army, serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the 508 PIR. He received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge. Upon returning home on the Queen Mary, his most cherished memory was marching down Fifth Ave. to cheering crowds as the 82nd Airborne was saluted by his beloved General James Gavin.
In 1947, he married Doris Mitchell, a school teacher and Director of Christian Education at Glenwood Presbyterian Church where he has been a member since 1933. Over the years, Brock served his church as a deacon, elder, superintendent, teacher, cook, handyman, groundskeeper, and Santa Claus. He was also a member of many civic organizations throughout his community.
During their 31 yrs of marriage, Doris and Brock had two children and traveled the world together during his years at Southern Radio Corp. He lost her to cancer in 1978. Two years later he married Jeane Bell. Upon his retirement, they moved to Smith Mtn. Lake, VA. and enjoyed 29 yrs together until her death in 2009. Brock was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always ready to encourage or to dry a tear.
His hidden strength was in his optimism ~ always stopping to smell the roses along the way. He loved to tell a good story or a better joke. He was the life of every party due to his quick wit, his easy nature, and his talent for dipping and spinning the ladies across the dance floor. He will be forever remembered for his rare joyful serenity that only increased with age and continued into his last days.
Brock leaves his two children, Kathie Lee (Bob) and Phil Smith; granddaughter, Kristin Kennedy (Chad) and their children Gabe, Kathryn and Tyler. He leaves a stepdaughter, Jan Smith (Bert) and their daughters Megan and Lindsay. He also leaves a special chosen grandson, Joey Baer.
Friends and family are invited to a graveside service at 3:00 Sunday, Nov. 1st at Guilford Memorial Park. There will be plenty of room for social distancing. Masks are required. Please bring a lawn chair, if needed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Glenwood Presbyterian Church, 1205 Glenwood Ave., Greensboro, NC 27403 OR to Authracare Collective, 2500 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405
Online condolences can be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com
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