Bill Smith

William C. Smith opened his eyes for the first time in Heaven September 21, 2016 . He was surrounded by his devoted family and friends as he went 'Home'. Bill was married to the love of his life, Betty Hodges Smith, on June 19, 1948. It all started with a blind date on Columbus Day, October 12, 1946 as Betty always tell everyone, "He was the prettiest boy I'd ever seen!", which led to 69 years of marriage. Bill was preceeded in death by parents, Clarence C. Smith and Flora Barber Smith and a sister, Elizabeth Smith Branch. He was also preceeded in death by a grandson, Stephen Lee Critz, Jr. Bill is survived by his wife, Betty H. Hodges, three daughters and their spouses, Linda Smith Smart and husband Dennis Smart, Susan Smith Cody and husband Danny Cody, and Robin Smith Richards and husband Richie (Ned) Richards, two grandchildren, Mollie Richards Merritt and spouse James Merritt, Matthew William Richards and spouse Brittany Moore Richards, two great grandchildren, Tanner William Richards and Jackson Lee Merritt, 3 step great grandchildren, Jonathan, Jeremiah and Anira and a great granddaughter, Aleinia that will be born sometime in November. Bill was born on March 27, 1925 in Caldwell County. He was graduated from Hudson High School in 1943. He served from 1943 to 1946 in the United States Navy aboard the USS Yosemite. He returned to Caldwell County and attended Clevengers Business College and began work at Mutual Savings and Loan where he was employed for 52 years. He retired as President in 1998. He was a very generous person who always looked after the needs of his family as well as others in the community. Bill was a member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church where he served as deacon. He was a member of the Lenoir Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris Award , Exchange Club, Masonic Lodge and a Shriner. He received the honor of the NC Long Leaf Pine as well as various other awards and accommedations. Bill was happiest when at home with "momma's" cooking and his family. A Celebration of Bill's life will be held on Monday, September 26 at Mountain Grove Church, 2845 Connelly Springs Road, Granite Falls, NC. The family will receive friends from 12:00 til 1:30 with the service immediately following. Interment will immediately follow the service at Blue Ridge Memorial Park with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. The family asks that donations and memorials be made to Hudson Hospice, 526 Pine Mountain Road, Hudson, NC.