- Date Of Birth: January 31, 1939
- Date Of Death: May 13, 2023
- State: North Carolina
Darrell Smith, 84, of Norwood, passed away at home after a short battle with colon cancer on May 13, 2023. Darrell was born in Stanly County, NC to Lennox and Georgia (Cooper) Smith on January 31, 1939.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlene Smith, daughters Jan (Guy) Wilkerson, of Winston-Salem, NC; Ginger Grimes of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren, Kidd (Katelyn) Wilkerson, Chelsi Wilkerson, Kane Wilkerson, Drake (Alec) Beauchamp, of Winston-Salem, NC; and three great-grandchildren, Roby and Cooper Beauchamp and Whit Wilkerson; and one brother, Dwight Smith of Norwood, NC. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Lennox and Georgia, and son-in-law, Jim Grimes.
Words can’t adequately describe Darrell. His presence alone spoke volumes without him having to say a word, and if you paid attention you might have learned something valuable. He was a proud, simple, selfless, and hardworking man all of his life. As a young lad at 12 years old, he sold eggs, worked at Peeble’s Department Store, and helped with the big family garden. During high school he had three jobs, he delivered papers, worked at Page’s, and for his daddy at Smith’s Grocery.
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Greek proverb
The simple life is an authentic life. Good people do good things for other people, and Darrell was the epitome of a good man. He once said, “In order to have a good neighbor, you have to be a good neighbor.” He lived that truth through and through. He was giving, honest, loyal and true to his word. No matter who you were, you could have faith in Darrell that he would always be there when called upon, and he’d even check up on you when you didn’t call. He gave his life to the lord, read his Bible every morning, and loved thy neighbor as thyself.
Darrell’s greatest treasure and love was his wife, Marlene. She was his most precious gift from the Lord.
Many will remember Darrell’s goatee, intent eyes and gifts from his harvest. Many will also remember Darrell as a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was best to listen. He said what he meant and meant what he said. He was the salt of the earth, and now he is the stars in our sky. He will be dearly missed by many.
A SPECIAL thank you to Angela, Wendy, Beth and Jalil with Hospice of Stanly as well as Konda and Ricky with Atrium Health Stanly for the empathy and compassion shown. A HUGE thank you to Buddy, Pam, Willy, Mary, and Roger.
