William Nelson Smith

William Nelson Smith, 98, of Raleigh died at his home Friday evening. He was born in Richmond County to the late Albert Lee Smith, Sr. and Janie Gibson Smith. He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church where he was active in the United Methodist Men.

He is survived by his son, Jay Corbett Smith, and daughter-in-law, Helga Sonner, of Durham. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Herndon Smith, older brother Albert Lee Smith, Jr., and sisters Janie Louise Smith Dawkins, Willie Smith Dawkins, Eleanor Smith Glover, Lenora Ruth Smith Adcock, and Jean Smith Lamb.

He was a WWII veteran of the United States Army Air Forces, stationed at the Myitkyina airfield in Burma (Myanmar) from October 1944 until the end of the war. After the war he worked in his father's auto parts business in Lumberton and later for the US Postal Service in Raleigh until his retirement.

He enjoyed traveling (having visited 47 states in addition to his wartime travels), walking in his neighborhood, crossword puzzles, ice cream, and was an avid reader.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at St. James United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

It is requested that memorial contributions be made to the Building Fund at St. James UMC, 3808 St. James Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Arrangements are with Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh and condolences may be sent to www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com