Thomas "Earl" Smith

Clinton,

Thomas “Earl” Smith, 93, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill.

Funeral will be held at 2 PM, Tuesday, March 19th at Bethany PFWB Church with Rev. Charles Ray Jernigan and Rev. Clay Carter officiating.  Interment will follow in the Rowan Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour before the service at Bethany PFWB Church and at other times at the home.

Earl, born September 21, 1930 in Duplin County, was the son of the late Bernice S. Smith and Neta Mae King.  He was the owner and operator of his own trucking business.  He also worked 25 years with Lundy Packing Company.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Tommy Smith, sisters Mary Nicholson, Marie Holland, Ruby Chesnutt, Joyce Pope, Carolyn West, Linda Honeycutt, and brothers James Smith, Billy Smith, Tony Smith and Charles Smith.  He held many world records in drag racing and National Events with wins in IHRA and NHRA events with his 1969 Camero “Shakedown”.

Survivors include; wife of 74 years, Annie Christine Hope Smith; son, Curtis Smith and wife Ingrid; daughter, Judy Smith Knowles; sister, Dean Bland and husband Everette; grandchildren, Ron Knowles, Curt Smith, Jr. (Marina), and Catherine Dawn Smith; and fur babies, Ginger, Red and Lucky.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.crumpler-honeycutt.com.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

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