Raeford William Smith, Sr.

Angier- Raeford Smith, 96, the Lord called Raeford William Smith, Sr. home on June 10, 2014. He was born January 19, 1918 to Bealie Carlton and Ossie Ola Baker Smith, the fifth of eleven brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by Mary, his faithful wife of 74 1/2 years in 2011, daughter Linda Smith Goodwin in 1998, three sisters, and 4 brothers.Family will receive friends at 66 Calvin Drive, Angier on Wednesday.Raeford is survived by daughters, Marie Bass and husband, Stanley of Angier who was his loving caretaker for his last years on earth; Donna Eatmon of Raleigh; Jane Woodcock and husband, Layton of Greensboro; sons, Raeford William Smith, Jr. and wife, Peggy of Angier; Larry Smith of California; sisters, Coreene McKee of Raleigh; Annie Dale Wilkes of Lillington; brother, Dwight Smith of Garner; thirteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.He enjoyed his family and sacrificed for their good and Gods glory.He loved to be with his brothers and sisters in Christ throughout his adult life. Raeford maintained his humor and joy of living. He had a long and skilled career in farming and construction, working well into his eighties. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs “Cubby”, a Duke Blue Devil fan and enjoyed listening to gospel tapes after losing his eyesight.Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 pm Thursday at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, AngierFuneral Services will be held Thursday at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Bryan-lee Funeral Home, Angier. Burial will be in the Stancil-Dupree family cemetery at 202 Stancil Road, Angier. Family will receive friends following the burial at the home of his son Ray, 202 Stancil Road, Angier.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 1972 Bethel Church Road, Spring Lake, 28390.