Mr. Joel Rufus Smith, age 95, of Wingate, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2016, at his residence.

Funeral Services to celebrate his life will be conducted at 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at Faulks Baptist Church, 2234 Faulks Church Road, Marshville, NC, 28103, officiated by Dr. David Richardson. 

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Mr. Smith was born on July 1, 1920, in Union County, North Carolina, a son of the late William (WR) Rufus Smith and Carrie Terry Smith.

Joel was married to the late Bernice Webb Smith, who passed in 1982. He was also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Ethel Gaddy, Hovis Smith, Ellie Williams and Marvin Smith.

He was a lifetime farmer, and worked for ASCS office measuring land and also Monroe Oil Company delivering oil. After retiring from Monroe Oil Company, he enjoyed working with his sons on the farm and gardening.

Mr. Smith was a lifelong member of Faulks Baptist Church holding positions as deacon, clerk, and Sunday school teacher. He had perfect attendance for over 40 years, and was a dedicated worker for the Lord.

Survivors include his three sons Joel Ervin Smith (Linda Presley), Wilson Keith Smith (Catherine Mills), and Grady Lewis Smith (Centhia Leaird) all of Wingate, NC; his nine grandchildren Michael Ervin Smith (Robin) of Monroe, NC, Aaron Lee Smith (Micca) of Wingate, NC, Christopher Lynn Smith of Monroe, NC, Jamie Catherine Harrell (Jason) of Marshville, NC, Jenny Lyn Thomas (fiancé Donovan Evans) of Matthews, NC, Jessica Anne Earley (Joe) of Raleigh, NC, Richard Paul Smith (Shauna) of Wingate, NC, David Franklin Smith (Stacey) of Marshville, NC and William Rufus Smith of Wingate, NC; there are twelve great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Davis Funeral Home, 1003 East Franklin Street, Monroe NC, 28112.

Memorials may be made to Faulks Baptist Church, Cemetery Fund, c/o Centhia Smith, 1811 Snyders Store Road, Wingate, NC 28174 or to Hospice of Union County, 700 West Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC, 28110.

Davis Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Smith.  An on-line guestbook is available at www.davisfuneralservice.com.

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