Virgil Earnest Smith, Jr. 74, of Hendersonville, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday November 27, 2013.
Born in Biltmore, NC, he was a son of the late Virgil E. Smith, Sr. and Clarine Bryan Smith Lovingood. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Rodreguise.
He was a graduate of Marshall High School and resided in Madison County until entering the U.S. Army. He was a member of I.B.E.W Local 238 Asheville, NC., and held office in Western District Community Development for several years, receiving many honors from the community and Hooperís Creek Baptist Church where he was Choir Director for twenty Seven years. He was chosen Man of The Year in 1981.
He is survived by a brother, Stephen B. Smith and his wife Linda of Asheville; two sisters, Phyllis Rich and her husband Jerry of Asheville and Audrey Bruce of Greenville, SC., several nieces and nephews, several great-nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew.
A funeral will be at 3:00 pm Sunday at Hooperís Creek Baptist Church. Reverend Phillip Youngblood and Reverend Gerry Locklear will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1-3:00 pm Sunday at the church. Burial will be at 2:00 pm Monday at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with military rites.