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Eugene Coates Smith, Jr., 64, died peacefully on April 5, 2013. He had been in declining health and is now rejoicing with loved ones gone before him. He was born on March 8, 1949 to Priscilla Lyon Smith Call and Eugene Coates Smith, Sr. in Gastonia, NC. Walter Call, his step-father, became “Dad” to him. He loved to travel and never stayed in one spot for too long. He was very proud to have served in the US Navy and spoke often of and with the lifelong friends he made there. He was a fine drummer and loved music of many genres.
He is survived by his daughter and grand-daughter, Lyndsay and Daisy Smith of Palmdale, CA; a brother, Chris Call of Lexington, NC and a sister, Carmon Campbell of Charlotte, NC.
There will be a remembrance gathering on May 4th, 2013 at 11:00 AM on Bald Knob, near Sparta NC where he loved to camp with a meal to follow.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hinkle Hospice House in Lexington or Hospice Wilkes Regional Medical Center.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury, North Carolina is assisting the Smith family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Lorena says
Grief can be so hard, but your special memories that you will always have of your love ones, along with the comfort from the bible can help you to cope with life’s anxieties (Psalms 55:22). Jesus cared deeply about mankind and he said that he will do away with the last enemy death (Isaiah 25:8, 1corinthians 15:26). He has also promise to bring back to life many who have fallen asleep in death (John 5: 28, 29). In this time of sorrow may it ease your pain to know that others are thinking of you.
Steve Harvel says
I am so sorry to learn of Gene’s passing. He was a great friend in high school and at Wilkes Community College. I haven’t seen him for many years, but I will never forget his friendship and his great sense of humor. I took him home to see my parents in Ohio in the winter of 1968 in a car with no heater….great memories of a special guy.
RIP Gene.
Steve Harvel
Sarasota, FL
Claire J says
Dear Lyndsay, Daisy & Family: How we wish to remove the effect of pain, suffering and death! In that regard, Jesus said: “The things impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27) God promised that in the Paradise, “Like the days of a tree will the days of my people be…And no resident will say: “I am sick!”” (Isaiah 65:22; 33:24) In Isaiah 25:8, it was foretold that God “will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” This promise was repeated in the last book of the Bible: “And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” (Revelation 21:4) Until this time comes, weeping the loss of your beloved Eugene is normal, even the perfect man Jesus gave way to tears when his friend Lazarus died. God assures us that he is near to those that are broken at heart, and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Therefore, may you lean on Jehovah God to cope with your disquieting thoughts and to get comfort in all our tribulation, for he is called the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort. (Psalm 34:18; 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)
Jim Burke says
I am very sorry to learn about E.C.’s death. That’s what we called him; that or Smitty, when we were stationed together in the Navy for 2 years in Ponce Puerto Rico. I loved him dearly, he was one of my closest friends. I was just in the process of trying to reach him and expected to make plans to get together. I am just so deeply sorry that I didn’t start a couple months sooner. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of his family. He was a wounderful person.
Larry Johnson says
I have just heard that my good friend and fellow believer E.C. or “Smitty” has gone to be with the Lord. My deepest condolences to his family. I was in the Navy with Smitty in Puerto Rico. We shared a room with Jim Burke and Mark O’Leary. He was one of the happiest guys I’ve ever know. He loved playing the song “Rocky Top”. E.C.’s favorite phrase was “that’s outstanding” to everything. I spoke with Eugene last year for over an hour on the phone and we were able to catch up on old times and new times. I only wish I had known that he was having troubles, for I and other navy friends would have raced to help him through his hard time. I will miss him. Hearing his voice over the phone after 40 years made me smile. Sharing this Hope of eternal life, I know I will hear his voice again and smile.