Dr. Oliver Wendell Smith

Oliver Smith died in Garner, NC on 03/16/2022. He was the only child of Wendell and Cecile Smith of Ellisville, Mississippi. He was born and spent his young adult life growing up in Ellisville Mississippi. He received the first pHD in chemistry at the University of Southern Mississippi. He and wife Jean moved to Charleston W. Va. so he could pursue his career with Union Carbide. He worked for Union Carbide for 33 years. As a Research Scientist he accumulated 50 US Patents. He was most proud of his patent for no wax flooring. He spent most of his time developing new technology with paints that would have no solvents or harmful chemicals. After 9/11, his paint was used to paint the Pentagon when they rebuilt it. This water based paint with no solvents helped the Pentagon not have to relocate employees because it was so safe. He later moved back to Petal MS. and served on the USM faculty for six years. During retirement he has enjoyed competitive sports, volunteering and family visits. Oliver served as an Elder for 43 years with First Presbyterian Church of South Charleston W. Va. and First Presbyterian of Petal Mississippi. He leaves his wife of 61 years (Reba Jean), a son (Oliver Jr.), daughter (Wendy Lynn McRorie, husband John), and two grandsons (Tyler McRorie and Zachary McRorie (wife Makayla) and two great grand daughters (Rose and Charlotte.) and foster daughter (Lisa Mudd, wife Vickie) and many relatives in North Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama. He looks forward to a heavenly home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He characterized his life as short, sweet and meeting a lifetime goal of providing his family with all the support they needed to be successful in life. Memorial Services will be held at Bryan Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Rd, Garner NC, on Sunday March 20th at 3PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Garner, 503 Lakeside Drive Garner, NC.