Patrick "Pat" Henry Smith

Patrick “Pat” Henry Smith, 90, of 2051 NC Hwy 87, went home to be with the Lord on July 25, 2014 at the Hospice Home of Rockingham County. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Monday, July 28, 2014 at Thompsonville Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Campbell officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pat was a native of Rockingham County and was the son of the late William and Minnie O’Bryant Smith. He was a lifelong and faithful member of Thompsonville Baptist Church and was especially adored by the children of the church. As a veteran during WWII, he served in the US Navy and was stationed at Admiralty Island in the South Pacific. He farmed most of his life and also retired from Lorillard Tobacco Company after 29 years of service. He loved his family and his music. Over the years, he mastered almost every musical instrument winning competitions, both playing and dancing. Many people around the community will remember him as one of the greatest old-time fiddlers around. He mentored his sons, Billy and Terry and instilled the love of music in the hearts of many other young accomplished musicians. Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Lora Smith, Lessie Sladky and Laura Ward; and his brothers, Percy Smith, Parham Smith and Paul Smith. He is survived by his wife, Betty Gray Smith of the home; sons, Billy Smith and wife, Marilyn and Terry Smith all of Nashville, TN; daughter, Jean Russell Dalton of Reidsville; grandchildren, Adam Smith, Jeremy Smith, Tyler Smith, Tara Smith, Trevor Smith, Mattie Smith, and Tamara Gethers; great grandchildren, DaShaun Dalton, Destiney Gethers and Allyson Smith; brother, Robert Penn Smith of Reidsville; nephews, Donnie Ward, Tom Sladky, Jimmy Sladky and Bobby Smith; niece, Penny Scott and a large extended family. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 27 at Wilkerson Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and other times at the home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thompsonville Baptist Church, 2033 NC Hwy 87, Reidsville, NC 27320 or Hospice of Rockingham County, PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375.