Alan Smith

Alan Wayne Smith, 50 years of age, of Oakboro, passed away Friday, August 9, 2013 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Alan was born March 14, 1963 in Stanly County to Larry Wayne Smith and Larcenia Smith. He knew Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and nothing was more important to him than knowing he would spend eternity in heaven and wanting everyone to have that same faith and trust in God. The family received friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Sunday, August 11, 2013 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The celebration of life service was held on Monday at 4:00 pm at Oakboro First Baptist Church, with Dr. D. Terrell Watts officiating. Other ministers involved in the service include Rev. Marion W. “Chip” Alsobrooks, Rev. Phillip Smith and Rev. Jeff Springer. The burial followed at Oakboro Cemetery. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Amanda "Mandy" Burgess Smith of the home; sons, Daniel Smith of Oakboro and Andrew Smith of Red Cross, brother, David Smith and wife Angela of Red Cross; parents-in-law, Doug and Ann Burgess of Oakboro; sister-in-law, Denise Ross and husband Jeff of Oakboro; nephews, Dillon Ross, Justin Wiley, and Jason Smith; and numerous special aunts, uncles, and cousins. Alan was a 1981 graduate of West Stanly High School and later received degrees from Stanly Technical College and Wingate University. He loved cheering on the Wingate Bulldogs as both of his sons attended school there. During his professional career he worked as a QA technician, master scheduler and buyer/planner for three different manufacturing plants in Monroe, N.C. During a lifetime of church involvement at Red Cross Baptist, Barbee’s Grove Baptist and Oakboro First Baptist, Alan served in numerous capacities. He loved being involved in Royal Ambassadors at Red Cross after being saved at Camp Caraway as a sixth grader and later helped lead RAs at Barbee’s Grove and Oakboro First Baptist. Alan was a strong community supporter and served various roles in the Oakboro Youth Athletic Association in addition to being on various parks and recreation committees to promote recreational and sports activities in Stanly County. He was instrumental in assuring that Stanly County and the town of Oakboro received grants to build parks. With an infectious laugh that we came to know and love, Alan loved his family and friends with such devotion. During the last three months in the hospital, it was clear the way his face would light up every time he saw Mandy how much he dearly loved her. She was his constant companion in the life he loved so much. He enjoyed watching Daniel play and coach sports as well as watching Andrew play so many sports and musical instruments. After beating the fight with cancer three years ago, he was an avid supporter of Relay for Life and all survivors of cancer. Memorials may be made to Oakboro First Baptist Church Building Fund Plans, PO Box 10 Oakboro, NC 28129. Hartsell Funeral Home is serving the Smith family.