Tributes

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day. . . 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Deacon Alton Earl Smith Sr., was born on August 1, 1953, in Blounts Creek, North Carolina to the late Essie Mae Moore-Smith and William Goldie Smith who preceded him in death. Alton Earl , entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the home of his son, Alton Earl Smith, Jr., in Greenville, North Carolina. Alton Earl got his formal education in the Beaufort County School System and was a 1971 graduate of Aurora High School, Aurora, NC. After high school, he furthered his education at Beaufort County Technical Community College, Washington, NC, and received his certification in Auto Mechanics. At an early age Alton joined St. Francis Missionary Baptist Church, Blounts Creek, North Carolina. In later years he relocated to Greenville, North Carolina and joined Oak Grove Christian Church, in Greenville, NC, under the leadership of Apostle Donnie Phillips and was ordained as a Deacon. Alton worked at Texas Gulf Phosphate Company, Donnelly Marketing, Cox Direct and his last place of employment was the Daily Reflector, Greenville, NC, until his health declined. Alton Earl was preceded death by his parents; two sisters; Verna Moore-Smith and Margaret Smith-Davis, brother, Alvin Smith; his maternal grandparents, Matilda Jane Moore and Jacob Randolph Moore, and his paternal grandparents, Mary Eliza Smith-Gay and Hyman Smith. Alton leaves to cherish his memories: the mother children, JoAnn Smith; his daughter; Ladelle Smith-Keyes, Blounts Creek, NC; his sons, Alton Earl Smith, Jr., of Greenville, North Carolina and Michael Tyrone Smith (Debbie) of Chocowinity, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Shandrika, Joshua, Mya Shamone, Alton Earl, III, Tiara,, Kanisha and Ayonna, 9 great-grandchildren; his sisters; Jessie Bell Smith, Raleigh, NC, Glenoria Thompson, Greensboro, NC, Letty Smith-Smoak (John), New Bern, NC and Noel Ward (Ernest) of Greenville, NC; brother, Clayton O. Smith (Coumba), Winston-Salem, NC; uncle, Leroy Fields, brother-in-.law, Dr. Alton Thompson; sisters-in-law, Linda Tucker, Clarine Peed, Johnnie Speight, Carolyn Smith, Charlotte Holland and Lucy Robinson; also leaves to cherish his memories a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Mr. Alton Smith Sr.

August 1, 1953 - January 16, 2024