Leonard Smith

A devoted man of God, loving husband, father and grandfather, Leonard Glenn Smith "Smitty," went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 10, 2011 at the Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, North Carolina. He was born August 10, 1926 in Gary, West Virginia to the late Arthur Bruce and Irma Fay Smith.  While the family moved numerous times over the years Leonard spent most of his childhood in Grassy Creek, North Carolina and Bel Air, Maryland.  Leonard was Valedictorian of the Bel Air High School Class of 1944.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and went on to begin what proved to be a very successful career at the Baltimore Signal Depot, where he received multiple commendations for his foresight, ingenuity, geniality, and willingness to help anyone, just to name a few.  He later moved to Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia to continue his career with Sperry Univac Corporation, as the Test Department Supervisor.  He retired not long after the company merged with Unisys Corporation. Leonard married the love of his life, Annie   Josephine (Josie) Barker on January 1, 1952.  Josie, as he affectionately called her, passed away on March 22nd of this year.  He is survived by son Richard Lynn (Rick) Smith and wife Doris; daughter Vicky Aiken and husband Mike; four grandsons, Tyler and Ryan Smith; Andrew and Avery Aiken;  brother Richard Neal Smith and wife Elizabeth;  Sisters-in-law Allison Barker and Ruby Brooks, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers Charles and John Smith, sisters, Ivera  Brackins and Thelma Grogan. Leonard was an active member of Welcome Home Baptist church in North Wilkesboro, NC.  His love for the Lord was evident to all who knew him, taking his role as an ordained Deacon very seriously.  He was a modest man, which would never boast of his many talents and abilities.  He was a Bible teacher, poet, accomplished musician mastering many instruments, cook, and so much more.  The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care given to Leonard by his caregivers at the Villages of Wilkes and the Woltz Hospice Home. A Memorial Service in celebration of Leonard's life will be held Monday, June 13, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Welcome Home Baptist Church, 132 Welcome Home Church Road, North Wilkesboro, NC by Rev. Jeff Collins and Rev. Charles Edwards.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at the church cemetery.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Welcome Home Baptist Church building fund. Ashelawn Memorial Chapel and Gardens was entrusted with Mr. Smith's arrangements