Duncan Smith

Duncan Junior “D.J.” Smith, 86, died peacefully at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. The Smith family will receive friends on Sunday, March 7, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle, N.C. Funeral service will be Monday, March 8 at 11:00 a.m. in Hartsell Funeral Home’s Chapel. Burial will be at Stanly Gardens of Memory on Tuesday, March 9 at 11 a.m. Military honors will be conducted by Stanly County DAV, Chapter 12. He was born to Duncan Monroe and Laura Elizabeth Smith on February 19, 1924 in Stanly County. He grew up in Red Cross, N. C. and entered the army during World War II. Following his service in the United States Army he returned home to meet and marry the love of his life, Opal Geraldine of Albemarle, on November 19, 1946. D. J. and Geraldine were members of West Albemarle Baptist Church. D.J. and Geraldine’s holy matrimony exemplified God’s definition of marriage with over 60 years of unconditional love strengthened by mutual trust and their commitment to continual spiritual growth. The strength of their commitment to both God and each other was exemplified in their unwavering dedication to each other in times of illness or trouble. Upon receiving news of his passing, extended family members were quick to express his life as one that would serve as an example for their own journeys. They are survived by their two sons, Don Smith and wife Linda of Myrtle Beach, SC and Kent Smith and wife Dotti of Asheville; their seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was “Uncle D.J.” to all the children of his siblings. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Nathan Edward Smith. Memorials may be made to Stanly County DAV (Disabled American Veterans) , Chapter 12, PO Box 12, Albemarle, NC 28002