Richard "Dick" Smith, Jr.

Richard Durwood Smith, Jr.  passed away peacefully in Alpharetta, Georgia on May 19, 2021 at the age of 84.

He is survived by his wife, Veralyn Merritt Smith; daughters Marcille Nance of Cornelius, NC and Laura Armistead and her husband, Kerry of Alpharetta, Georgia; five grandchildren, Cameron and Richard Nance, and Ben, Grayson and Mack Armistead.

Dick was born in Bishopville, SC on July 7, 1936 to Richard Durwood Smith, Sr. and Marjorie Lucille Mozingo Smith.  He graduated from Clemson University in 1959 with a degree in Textile Engineering and was a charter member of the Numeral Society. In 1978, he completed the Executive Leadership Program at UNC-Chapel Hill and while there, Dick was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt.  In 1971, he married Veralyn Ann Merritt in Warsaw, NC.  He and Veralyn raised their daughters, Marcille and Laura, in Albemarle, NC and resided there until 2019, when they relocated to Alpharetta, Georgia. After moving to Albemarle in 1973, Dick began working for Stanly Knitting Mills and retired from the company as Vice President of Manufacturing in 2002.  He was a devoted Christian and a dedicated member of Central United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board and as Chairman of the Finance Committee.

Dick was a born storyteller and toastmaster and he loved to work the crowd at parties, always ready with a joke or a tale to tell. He also enjoyed crafting his walking canes and personalizing them for family and friends. Dick was a true family man and was devoted to Veralyn, his wife of nearly 50 years. Dick was never happier than when he was with his family and especially spending time with his grandsons. When at the beach, he could always be found in the surf with a fishing rod in hand and usually a grandson or two by his side.  Dick never met a stranger and his infectious personality and joy for life touched everyone. When you were in his presence, you felt his amazing spirit and you never walked away from him without a story and a smile in your heart.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dick Smith will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Central United Methodist Church with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 172 N. 2nd St. Albemarle, NC, 28001.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Smith family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com