Terry Patillo Smith III

Terry was born on January 9, 1936, in Joliet, IL to the late Terry Patillo Smith, Jr. (b. Mayfield, KY) and Leona Blanche Wright Smith (b. Lukin, IL). He was lovingly known as Terry, Dad, and PeePaw by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and friends he made since leaving IL. His friends from his school days, his parents, his sisters and their families fondly referred to him as Pat.

Terry grew up in Ottawa, IL with his parents and two sisters – Sandra and Sally Smith. He told us many childhood stories of ice skating down the river to school, locking his little sister Sally in the coal bin, playing other pranks on his big sister Sandra, exploring, playing in the clay beds, hunting, and fishing. He was a classic fun-loving boy in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

He started playing basketball while in Sixth grade and played in high school for the Ottawa Pirates. He went on to attend college at Millikin University in Decatur, IL where he continued his basketball career as a forward playing for the Big Blue. Terry was named Millikin University’s most valuable player his senior year. After graduating from college, he had an option to play pro-ball, but chose to work as a chemical engineer. Terry continued to enjoy basketball by playing for company and community teams in the evenings. Later, his competitiveness continued as he played in a racquetball league for years in NC, winning many tournaments. He also frequently played tennis with his friends and family.

After graduating from Millikin in 1957 with a BS in Chemistry, Terry went on to work as a process engineer and chemical engineer for companies such as Microswitch, Honeywell and Corning. During this time, his work led to several patents. He helped develop the mercury switches that were (and often still are) used in thermostats. Terry also received a patent for discovering the chelating properties of EDTA. He even worked in the development fiber optics.

About a year after moving to Raleigh, NC, he began working for the Industrial Development Division of The State of NC. In 1965 he used his chemical engineering experience to cofound Surtronics, Inc. where he worked in the evenings until he switched to working full time at Surtronics. He and his partner nurtured this metal finishing (electroplating and anodizing) company from its humble beginnings in an old laundromat building until it is now one of the largest plating shops in the nation.

Terry loved the out-of-doors and could often be found hunting or fishing – sometimes locally, sometimes in the eastern swamps and sounds of NC, and sometimes in places farther away spanning the United States, and spots in Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica (where he accomplished a fishing grand slam). For years we all enjoyed a large Great Blue Marlin caught off the NC coast which was displayed on the wall! We all have fun memories of PeePaw sharing his knowledge and skill in hunting and fishing to the eager members of the younger generations. In his later years he discovered the sport of birdwatching and, once again, shared his vast knowledge of waterfowl to those of us always eager to learn from his experience.

The beach was one of his favorite vacation spots. We, all have many wonderful memories from these Salter Path, NC, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Port Charlotte/Englewood, FL vacations.

Terry enthusiastically encouraged and supported, in all ways possible, his family in their endeavors – whether that was in music, acting, dancing, horseback riding, other sports, attending school, SCUBA diving, or exploring the natural world. His wonderful personal encouragement and support continued as we each pursued our individual careers. Moreover, he helped and supported many other individuals and families throughout the years through kind deeds and gifts. He never hesitated to help when he saw a need.

While he lived in Raleigh, Terry was a faithful member of Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church. He served in many areas of the church including as a Deacon.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife (Nina Ruth Harper Smith – 62), a daughter (Rebecca Harper Smith – 4 days) and both of his sisters (Sandra Smith Benner and Sally Smith Andersen Fiedler).

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Lisa Kay Smith Hardin (James R.), Monica Suzanne Smith Derrenbacher (Rick), and Angela Diane Smith Stanley; his grandchildren James T. Hardin, Rachel K. Hardin, Taylor D. Beresid (Jerrod), Connor R. Derrenbacher, Cole A. Stanley, and Harper R. Stanley/Rose; and his great-granddaughter Nina Ann Hardin. He is also fondly remembered by many other extended family members and friends.

During the weekend of September 24 – 25, 2022 a Celebration of Life Party will be held - (plans TBA). His ashes will be interred at the Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church columbarium.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be donated to the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. www.ncwf.org

Fond memories and expressions of condolences can be shared online at apexfuneral.net for the Terry P. Smith III family.