John Garrett Goldsmith

Asheville - John Garrett Goldsmith, 82, of Asheville, died Saturday, June 24, 2006 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals following a lengthy illness. Born June 27, 1923 in Asheville, he was the son of the late John William and Emmaline McAbee Goldsmith. John retired in 1987 after more than 30 years with the US Postal Service. He was a member and former Deacon of Emma Baptist Church where he was also a member of the church choir. He most recently attended Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church. After his retirement he was a volunteer for many years with St. Joseph Hospital. John was a US Army World War II combat veteran, having flown in 31 missions in the European Air Offensive. He was a member of the 600th Bombardment Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, stationed in Hertfordshire, England. In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen Freeman, and a brother, Clarence Goldsmith. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Collins Goldsmith, of the home; sons and daughters-in-law: Mike and Angie Goldsmith of Fairview, Steve and Margo Goldsmith of Weaverville, and Leslie and Terri Goldsmith of San Diego, CA; grandchildren: John Aaron Goldsmith, Melinda Dawn Goldsmith, Stephanie Goldsmith Lounsbury, Stephanie Labb, Leslie Christopher Goldsmith, and Christina Elizabeth Goldsmith; great-grandchildren: William Tyler, Kaela Dawn, Brenna Reagan, and Alexis Alohilani; sister, Florence Leila of Boone; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Monday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jackie Collins officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Tracy Brit Plemmons, Jamie Lounsbury, Dale Hollifield, Jerry Collins, Jr., Tim Collins and Kenny Shipman. The family will receive friends from 7-9 PM Sunday at the funeral home.