Donald Ervin Smith, Sr.

Donald Ervin Smith, Sr., 85, of Morganton died Friday, June 22, 2018.  Born in Burke County, NC on July 16, 1932, he was the son of the late Marley Walter Smith and Eliza Mae Whitener Smith Greene.  He was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for 82 years, serving in many roles.  He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Army Corps of Engineers.  Don was a past chairman of the Burke County Republican Party.  In 2004 he was inducted into the NC Republican Hall of Fame, and he was a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.  Don worked at Hardwoods of Morganton and owned and operated Hardwood Associates.  He was a good Christian man, husband, and father.  He enjoyed golf, politics, and witnessing to and helping others.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Joe Morris Smith; daughter, Katherine S. (W. F.) McElhany of Morganton; grandchildren, Emily Smith, Stephanie McElhany, and Ethan Smith; a great-grandson, Tanner Moore; sister, Lorene Dobson; cousin, Garrett Smith, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Kim S. Smith; brother-in-law, Charlie Morris; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his step-father, Verne S. Greene; son, Donald E. Smith, Jr.; brother, Ned A. Smith; step-brothers, Richard and Sam Greene; father and mother-in-law, B.C. and Meldona Morris; and brother-in-law, J.C. Dobson.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, June 25, 2018 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Jack Hodges and Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating.  Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by the NC National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Youth Center, 2396 Enola Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.