Homer Smith

Asheville John Homer Smith, 97, of 3032 Charles Road, Shelby, formerly of 5 Impala Trail, Asheville, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center after a brief illness. A native of Yancey County, he was a resident of Buncombe County since 1925, was a longtime member of Trinity Baptist Church and was a veteran of World War II, serving overseas in the United States Army. He retired from The Life of Georgia Insurance Company following 30 years of service. In 2007, he was honored by the State of NC as well as the City of Asheville with the Volunteer of the Year Award in honor of his work with Craggy Prison in Asheville where he served for 43 years. He was Craggys oldest and longest-serving community volunteer, was a group coordinator, a Bible teacher and a music leader. He was the son of the late Robert Sylvester Smith and Addie McFalls Smith and was the husband of Hazel Brooks Smith who died in 1937 and his wife of 60 years, Hazel Kathryn Ramsey Smith who died in January 2006. Surviving are his grandson, John Mark Edmonds and wife Tina of the home; daughter, Rita Gaye Teems and husband Ronnie of Marble, NC; 2 other grandchildren, Daniel Edmonds and Shannan Crocket; 8 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Friday, December 14, 2012 at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Donnie Walker, Rev. Dr. Ralph Sexton, Jr. and Chaplain George Holley officiating. Graveside services will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with military honors conducted by NC National Guard Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 1 to 1:50 PM Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Chosen People Ministries, 241 E. 51st Street, New York, NY 10022-6502.