Johnnie Darrel Smith

Johnnie Darrel Smith, 59, of Apex died suddenly on Monday, March 25, 2013. Johnnie was born on June 13, 1953 in Waynesville, NC to James Earl Smith and Martha Brown Smith. He graduated from Tuscola High School in Waynesville in 1971. Johnnie married Debra Pierson on December 3, 1977. He was employed with Gregory Poole Equipment Company as both a welder and lead man in the welding shop for 25 years. He loved car racing of any kind where on any Saturday night he’d be at a race track somewhere. Johnnie was a member of Faith Baptist Church. He loved being with his family and was an avid football fan.

He is survived by his wife, Deb Smith; daughter: Kaleena Sawyer and husband, Bryan of Wendell; son: Kyle Smith of Apex and fiancée, Brittany Burns; father: Earl Smith of Clyde, NC; brothers: Charles Smith of Clyde and Roger Smith of Morganton; sisters: Marlene Welch and husband, Bruce of Clyde, and Dianne Poteat and husband, Allen of Clyde. Johnnie is expecting his first grandchild, Cale Jackson Sawyer.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Martha Brown Smith.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St., Apex. A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Friday, March 29, 2013 in the Chapel of Apex Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to RamStrength, Lubick Foundation, 2221 Baldwin Street, Fort Collins, Colorado 80528.