Frank Smith

Frank Smith, 87, a native of Yancey County closed his eyes at his home for three years, the WNC Baptist Home, and opened them at the gates of heaven on September 11, 2013. Born on July 8, 1926 to Coleman and Bessie Blankenship Smith in a shack on Banks Creek, he had since lived in Woodfin, Alexander, and Black Mountain. A special Thank You is extended to the staff of the Baptist Home where he made great friends, not only with the staff but with the residents. He often gifted jams and jellies with his physicians Dr. Domby, Dr. Wade, and Dr. Armstrong and kept his candy bowl filled for all who cared for him. Visiting with older friends and relatives was a great part of his last years. Frank was a child of the great depression and abject poverty influenced his early youth. After finishing the 8th grade he became a wage earner at a saw mill, laborer with Davie Tree, and a funeral home attendant where he lived and made ammunition boxes for the war effort. His proudest accomplishment was serving in the U.S. Navy for 18 months during WWII aboard the U.S. Union AKA106 in the Pacific Theater. That pride continued for his granddaughter Traci serving in the U.S. Army today. Frank met the love of his life, Vera Mason, at the popcorn counter of Kress Department Store in 1943 and they married on July 10, 1948. He learned the skills of installing tile while working at Blue Ridge Tile and later started a business with his brother Robert becoming owner of Smith Floor Covering Service from 1955 to 1985. While running the business alongside Vera, he attended Asheville Biltmore College and received his high school diploma in a private graduation from Woodfin High School. His business skills, personality and ethics helped to grow the venture into a successful business. He was very proud of working with the Biltmore Estate on many tile projects, including turning an old barn into a winery. He always worked diligently to make customers happy and many customers became lifelong friends. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Robert and Cairl; sister, Joyce; wife and mother of his children Vera (1984); mother-in-law and father-in-law Geneva and Lee Mason; nieces: Carolyn and Rhnee; and great nephew, Aaron. Surviving are his: daughter and her husband, Donna and H.D. Ammons; son and his wife, Kevin and Debi Smith; sister, Aline Teague; wife, Jean; grandchildren: Jeannie Shelton, Niki Hoyle, Emily Ammons, Traci Sturdevant, Cory Smith, Tammy Moseley, Michael West; 9 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson; numerous nieces, nephews, the Smith family and a host of friends are left to treasure his memory. Frank was a member of Alexander Baptist Church and most recently attended Freedom Baptist when possible. His strong Christian faith and love of family lead his steps to become a strong but humble man, husband, father, and friend to all he met. His handshake became infamous and many acquaintances didnt offer their hand in fear of being squeezed to their knees. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 8 PM at Anders-Rice Funeral Home in Asheville. The memorial service will be at Anders-Rice on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 2 PM. Rev. Randy Teague, nephew, and H.D. Ammons, son-in-law, will officiate. Burial will be in the Alexander Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following the service. Pallbearers include Coleman and Mitchell Teague, Archie Huntsinger, Larry Anders, Jeff Haney, and Jack Presnell. All former employees of Dads company are invited to a place of honor during the service. A time for personal memories and reflections will be part of the service. Flowers are welcome and donations to the American Cancer Association for Wounded Warrior Program are appreciated. All that knew Frank will miss his smile, his fantastic life stories, his love of life, the twinkle in his eye and his one of a kind personality. A Video Tribute will be available for a limited time. Click Here