Ira was born on September 23, 1942 in Newport to Benjamin Thomas Jr. and Eunice Weeks Smith. Ira served in the U.S. Army before spending over 20 years with Roses Stores, Inc. From there, Ira worked on the base at Cherry Point for an additional 20+ years before retiring.
He survived by his wife of 53 years, Florida; son, Jeff; one sister, Ruth Garner (Sherrill); two brothers, Earl (Brenda) and Lewis (Sharon); brothers-in-law, George Simmons and Phil Kirk; aunt, Jackie Walker; uncle, Rev. Jerry (Hazel); numerous nieces and nephews; and grand-dog, Catherine.
A Celebration of his life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Cotten Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ira's name may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Trinity United Methodist Church.