Clifford Leon Smith, 79, of Eden, North Carolina, passed away at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8, 2016, at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden.  

 

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Friday, May 13, at  Fair Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service (1 - 2 PM) at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the residence.

 

Leon was born and raised in Axton, Virginia and was a resident of Eden most of his adult life. His parents, Noah Thomas Smith and Gladys Boyd Smith, preceded him in death.

 

Leon is survived by his wife of ten years, Ann Hoerter Smith, daughters, Telesa “Lisa” Smith (Charles) Bleakley, of Riner, Virginia, Kayren Lynn Smith Reamey, of Axton, Virginia; as well as three step-children, Sean Hoerter, of Raleigh, North Carolina, Ryan Hoerter, of Wilmington, North Carolina, Johnny Hoerter, of Greensboro, North Carolina.  In addition to his children, he is survived by; four grandchildren, Jeremy C. Bleakley, Jacob Le Bleakley, D. Blake Spencer, Billie L. Reamey, two step-grandchildren, Peyton Hoerter and Owen Hoerter; and one great-granddaughter, Amaris Spencer.

 

Everyone who knew Leon is able to attest to his quick wit and sense of humor. He loved to “joke and carry on” which kept life around on the lighter side. Leon was a kid at heart. His children and grandchildren spent many happy moments in play (sometimes a fine line from another joy; work). Aside from his love for family and friends, Leon enjoyed camping and raising his vegetable garden in the summers. He and his wife enjoyed these in his later years; meeting new friends in campgrounds and reaping the summer bounty of greens and squash when back at home. In earlier years, Leon enjoyed riding motorcycles and playing softball. It was in these activities that many of his lifelong friendships were forged. Additional friendships were born over the years as Leon genuinely cared for people and loved sharing many aspects of his life with them and learning of theirs.

 

Leon worked for Karastan Rugs and Fieldcrest Mills in Eden, North Carolina a number of years. He worked for Goodyear Tire in Danville, Virginia for eight years and later for Miller Brewing for nine years. He was employed as a maintenance mechanic in both of these positions. Leon was a proud veteran of both the United States Air Force and United States Naval Reserve.

 

Leon was previously a member of the Eden Moose Lodge. He had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was a good and faithful servant while a member of Osborne Baptist Church in Eden, North Carolina for 17 years.  Leon and his family wish to thank the wonderful nursing team from the third floor of Morehead Memorial Hospital for a loving and comfortable transition from his earthly life to his eternal home with his Savior.

 

 Donations in the memory of Leon may be made to Osborne Baptist Church, Eden North Carolina. Family condolences may be made to www.Fairfuneralhome.com .