Paul Smith Jr.

Mr. Paul Odell Smith Jr., 43, of Hendersonville, formerly of Drexel, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at his residence. Paul was born on Oct. 29, 1966, in Burke County, to Lena Dale Smith and the late Paul Odell Smith Sr. He was a graduate of East Burke High School, N.C. State University and was currently employed by Volvo Construction Equipment as an assembly 2 manager. Paul was a member of Tracy Grove Baptist Church in Flat Rock where he took great pleasure helping with their youth ministry. His passing is a tremendous loss for his family leaving a void that only God can fill but his family will fondly remember Paul as the "golden child" and his passion for hunting, fishing and playing the guitar. Survivors include his mother, Lena Dale Smith of Drexel; a brother, Mark A. Smith and his wife, Kimberly, of Drexel; a sister, Cindy S. Martin and her husband, Robert, of Valdese; one niece, Ashley M. Campbell and her husband, Eric, of Lenoir; and two nephews, Kenneth Martin of Valdese and Sean Smith of Drexel and his special friend, Melody Cook of Hendersonville. Last but not least, Paul will be survived by his beloved dog, Pride. Paul was preceded in death by his father; and his sister, Jamie Katherine Smith. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Tracy Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. James H. Maybin officiating. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at Mountain View Cemetery in Rutherford College with the Rev. Mark Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese, where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorials may be sent to Tracy Grove Baptist Church, 984 Tracy Grove Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the family. Condolences at www.heritagefuneralservice.com.

Published in The News Herald on January 13, 2010