Obituary of Reverend Gene L. Smith

Rev. Gene Lawrence Smith, age 92, of Dusty Road, Boone, passed away Saturday morning, June 21st, 2014 at his home. Gene was born June 4, 1922 in the Valle Crucis community of Watauga County. Rev. Smith was of the Baptist faith and for more than 25 years, actively pastored churches in Watauga, Caldwell and Avery County�s. After serving three years in the US Army during WWII, Gene owned and operated Gene & Michael Smith Produce Company before leasing to various trucking companies. Gene is survived by his wife of 72 years, Juanita Matheson Smith; son, Mick Smith and daughter-in-law, Laura Smith, of Midway Park; grandsons, Michael Smith and wife Denise, Matthew Smith and wife, Jerica, and Morgan Smith, all of Sugar Grove, Andrew Smith and wife Katy, of Greensboro, Orin Smith of Orlando, Florida, and Mason Russell and Ray Smith, both of Midway Park; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Luke, Mattie, Carson and Landon Smith, all of Sugar Grove; brother, Glenn Hicks and wife, Judy, of Hudson, sister, Mary Wallace of Sugar Grove, sister-in-law, Ruth Hicks, of Boone; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Smith and Jennie Baird; and brothers, Mack, Frank, and Fred �Shorty� Smith. Funeral services for Rev. Gene Lawrence Smith will be conducted Monday morning, June 23, 2014, at 11 o�clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Melvin Hodges and Rev. Vance Triplett. Burial with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 130 will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:30 until 8 o�clock at Austin & Barnes. The family suggests memorials to Medi Home Health & Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at the website austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Smith family.