Paul Albert Smith

Paul Albert Smith, age 89, of 326 Cannon Court, Asheboro died Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at Randolph Hospital, Asheboro. A Georgia native, Young-Harris College and University of Georgia graduate (class of 1940), Paul came to North Carolina in 1940 as Assistant Scout Executive for the General Greene Council. He had been involved in scouting since the age of 12. He earned his Eagle Scout Award and later was awarded adult scoutings highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award. He went to work for Burlington Mills with stints in Burlington, Kernersville, Greensboro, and Asheboro. In 1961, not wanting to leave Asheboro, he purchased the Credit Bureau from the Asheboro Merchants Association and operated it until his retirement in 1979. His community involvements have been numerous, including: President of the Burlington Lion Club, President of the Asheboro Kiwanis Club, President of the Asheboro Golden K Club, President of the Asheboro Country Club, and Campaign Chairman of the United Way. An active member of First United Methodist Church he had served as Chairman of the Administrative Board of First United Methodist Church, and was a Sunday School teacher for many years. He was an member of Asheboro Masonic Lodge 699. He worked on the site selection team for the North Carolina Zoo recruitment effort, was top solicitor in the first Asheboro-Randolph YMCA capital campaign, had served as President of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, was president of the PTA, and served on the Eagle Scout Review Board. After retiring he taught business and continuing education classes at Randolph Community College, and volunteered at Randolph Hospital with 1660 hours of service where he received the Care Award for customer service. He is survived by his wife: Ola Matlock Smith, one daughter: Martha S. Ragsdale of Sanford, NC; one son: David H. Smith and his wife Lorraine of Asheboro, NC; one sister: Dorothy Caldwell of Forest Park, GA. The funeral will be Sunday, August 13th, at 2:30 PM at First United Methodist Church, 224 North Fayetteville Street, Asheboro with Rev. Michael Holder and Rev. George Roberson officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Asheboro. The family will receive friends Saturday, August 12, 2006 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 224 North Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 or Randolph Hospital Community Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1048, Asheboro, NC 27204-1048.