ASHEBORO--Marion S. Smith, age 86, of Asheboro passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018 at his home.
Mr. Smith was born in Augusta, GA on February 8, 1932 to Charles and Rozella McManus Smith. He was a graduate of Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, GA, and Baylor University in Waco, TX, received his Bachelor’s in Divinity from Southeastern Seminary and received his Master's in Social Work from UNC-Chapel Hill. Marion was retired as Director of the Randolph County Department of Social Services, where he served from 1962-1994. He was the first Manager of any Randolph County agency to hire an African-American employee. He helped to establish the Mental Health Board of Randolph County and was a longtime member of the board of the Ferree Educational Fund.
Marion was also a United Church of Christ Minister. He formerly pastored at the St. Andrews United Church of Christ in Lexington, Happy Home United Church of Christ in Ruffin,, First Congregational Christian Church in High Point, and First United Church of Christ in Liberty. He loved to research and study for his sermons. Marion was formerly employed with Pugh Funeral Home as a greeter. Marion received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from Governor James Hunt. He was a longtime Democrat, a member of the Optimist Club and Toastmasters. Marion was a caring father, an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, American Legion Baseball, and the Asheboro Copperheads.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Moyer Smith; daughter, Deborah Allen of Liberty; sons, Barry Wayne Smith of Ramseur and Douglas Stevens of Franklinton; stepsons, Daniel Griffith and wife Tallie of Raleigh and Doug Griffith and wife Sarah of Statesville; grandchildren, Noah Hudson, Edward Griffith, Elizabeth Griffith, Wilson Rogers, Emma Rogers, Melissa Kirkendall, Renee Morgan, Shannon Freeman, and Amanda Smith; great grandchildren, Clayton Morgan, Sage Brower, Ivy Brower, and Janna Brower; and sister, Charlene Smith Ross of Winfield, MO.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the First E & R United Church of Christ, 221 Cliff Road in Asheboro with Rev. Lance Perry officiating.
Memorials may be made to First E & R United Church of Christ, 221 Cliff Road, Asheboro, NC 27203 and to The Voice of the Martyrs, 1815 SE Bison Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74006.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Pugh Funeral Home
Monday, March 19, 2018
Starts at 11:00 am
First E & R United Church Of Christ
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