He was born on August 31, 1926 in Goldsboro, NC to the late Arnold W. Smith Sr. and Ellen Harrell Smith. He was preceded in death by his brother Richard Smith, and two sisters, Dorothy Bennett and Eleanor Thain. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dollie Cunningham Smith, 10 nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Arnold, affectionately known as “Uncle” and “Bud,” was loved by his family and friends for his gentle nature. He graduated from NC State University in 1950, and then served for six years in the United States Army and Army Reserves. In 1956, he began his lifelong career at Southern Bell Telephone Company in Charlotte, NC, and retired as a General Manager after 32 years of service. Due to his devoted years of service to the Masons and Shriners, he earned the 32nd degree Scottish Rite of FreeMasonry. He was also a devout Christian, and a highly respected member of Lee Park Baptist Church.
The viewing will be on Tuesday, July 27th from 1:00-4:00 at McEwen’s Funeral Home in Monroe, although the family will not be present, and on Wednesday, July 28th from 10:00-11:00 at Lee Park Baptist Church before the service. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 28th at 11:00 in the Worship Center at Lee Park Baptist Church in Monroe. A graveside service will follow at Lakeland Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Lee Park Baptist Church or Lee Park Prep School, 2491 Morgan Mill Rd. Monroe, NC 28110. McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Mr. Smith.
