L. Wade Smith

RALEIGH – Lonnie Wade Smith, age 85, stepped into Heaven and his forever home on Friday, December 17, 2021 at the Hospice House in Randolph County. Formerly of Raleigh, he was residing in Summerfield, North Carolina with his niece and nephew, Kathy and Marvin Batten.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, December 22, 2021 in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton with Jason Cochran officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Facebook page of McLaurin at Pinecrest. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at the funeral home, prior to the service.

He was born in Johnston County on February 4, 1936 to the late Walter Smith and the late Vashti Yeargan Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Laquitta “Joy” Byrd Smith; son, Dennis Smith; sisters, Ruby, Lois, Gladys, Jeanette, Anne; brothers, Simon and Parker.

Wade was a veteran of the United States Army and retired as the Department Head of the City of Raleigh Water Department with 38 years of service. Wade enjoyed yard work, tinkering on small motors, racing, sports and family time. He was one of the patriarchs of our family. He was a great father figure to many of us. We will cherish many fond memories of family time at uncle Wade and aunt Joy’s house. Wade spent his last 2 years in Summerfield where he made many new friends. Wade knew the Lord and he was prepared to go home. We know he had to leave us but our hearts are broken.

He is survived by a granddaughter, Candace Smith; brother-in-law, Charles Thomas Byrd and wife Olivia; nieces, Teresa, Rhonda, Jean, Sue, Linda, Oodie, Bonnie, Bobbie, Debby, Angie, Kathy, Daphne; great-nieces, Amy, Amber, Madyson and Brooke; nephews, Wayne(deceased), Stevie and Lee; Great-nephews, Michael, Brandon, Cameron, Austin, Mark Daniel; great-great nieces, Kaci, Bristol and Charlotte; great-great nephews, Cole, Levi and Paxton.

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

McLaurin Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Wade's family