Lyman H. Smith

Dudley – Mr. Lyman H. Smith, 83, died at Wayne Memorial Hospital on Thursday, surrounded by Grace, his wife of 60 years and his daughters.

Mr. Smith was born June 1, 1919 in the Nahunta Community to William H. Smith and Esther D. Smith. At a young age he and his family moved to Dudley where they opened a small grocery store. 

After serving in the Army Air Corps, from 1941-1945, Mr. Lyman returned to Dudley to work at the store that later became Smith Brothers, Inc. He retired in 1998 after serving the people of Dudley and the surrounding area for 63 years.

Mr. Smith attended Dudley Christian Church. He served as the first fire chief of the Dudley Volunteer Fire Department which he continued to support throughout his life. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and salt water fishing.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Deedie Weddings and Robert of Selma and Carolyn Kirkland and Claude of Goldsboro; three grandchildren, David Bethea, Martha P. Gurley and husband, Brent and Lyman Thomas Pate; five great-grandchildren, Jennifer Bethea, Jessica, Tyler, and Rebecca Pate, and Katie Beth Gurley; and two brothers, Aaron Smith of Dudley and Chip Smith of Wallace.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Bill, Garland, Rudolph and Theron Smith.

Funeral Services will be Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Allen Sharpe and Rev. Douglas Dexter officiating. Burial will follow in Wayne Memorial Park. 

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be sent to Dudley Christian Church, P.O. Box 859, Dudley, NC 28333 or the charity of your choice.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at the residence.