Afton W. Smith Jr.

Mr. Smith was born in Southport on May 10, 1927 the son of the late Afton Wescott Smith, Sr. and Georgia Carrier Smith. He was predeceased by sisters Evelyn Smith Dosher and Eula Mae Wilmoth.

Afton is survived by his wife of 63 years, Edythe Purvis Smith of the home; son Raymond Wescott Smith and granddaughter Rachel Nicole Smith of Oak Island; first cousin Ozen W. (Son) Carrier; nieces Eula Mae Wilmoth Franck and Edie Wilmoth Crocker; nephew Joseph Wayne Wilmoth, and a sister-in-law Ethel Purvis all of Southport; brother-in-law Albert C. Purvis (Virginia) and their family of Georgia; and many great and great, great nieces and nephews.

Afton was a native of Southport and proud of his heritage. Except for his Military Service and a few short term jobs, he considered himself blessed to spend the majority of his life in camaraderie with his family and friends. He was quick to welcome new comers to this place he was proud to call home, and to share with them his memories and the local history of his boyhood in Southport and Long Beach. He attended Southport Baptist Church from an infant until death severed his earthly relation. On August 19, 1945, while on leave from the US Navy, he was baptized into the Fellowship of Southport Baptist Church and as a member served in many, many capacities, officially and voluntarily. He exemplified his belief and strong faith, and witnessed the Plan of Redemption, Salvation and Sanctification to all he met. He was pleased to have received the honor of Deacon Emeritus for his years of service on the Board of Deacons. He was a US Navy Veteran of World War II, enlisting as soon as he was of age, and served most his enlisted time in the Pacific before receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1946. He was on staff, Army Civil Service, in the Equipment Division of Military Ocean Terminal Operation, Sunny Point, when he retired in June, 1987 after working at the site since it was under construction more than fifty years ago. He was a fifty-one year member and a Past Master of Pythagoras Masonic Lodge No. 249. He was a member and past Patron of Goldenrod Chapter No. 142 Order of the Eastern Star in Wilmington.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 2:00 p.m.at Southport Baptist Church. Following the Service burial will be in Northwood Cemetery.

The family will receive Friends Friday, April 24, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral Service, 1411 N. Howe Street, Southport and other times at the home.

Afton's heart was touched by special needs of children; donations in his memory may be made to The Baptist Children's Homes, PO Box 338 Thomasville, NC 27361 or St Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 613377, Memphis TN 38101 or to the charity of your choice.

You may offer online condolences at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service in Southport.