Roderick Ernest Smith, Jr

Roderick Earnest Smith Jr., 92, of Sanford died Wednesday, September 19, at UNC Chapel Hill Hospital after a brief illness. A memorial will be held at 3pm Tuesday September 25th at Lemon Springs United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Mr. Smith was the son of the late Roderick E. and Charlotte Abbott Smith of Lemon Springs. He is survived by three daughters; Audrey Wilson, Barbara Brecher and Elaine Nichols - all of Sanford; Mr. Smith is also survived by sisters Mildred Vick of Raleigh and Sarah Curry of Sanford. Seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

After flying 30 missions as a turret and nose gunner in WWII, Mr. Smith married the late Carolyn W. Thieroff of Philadelphia, Pa and Cumnock, NC. After Mr. Smith married, he and his wife raised their three children in the Philadelphia area. Smith worked for 35 years as a Troubleman and Supervisor at the Philadelphia Electric Company. Upon retirement, Mr. Smith and his wife moved back to Sanford. He lived in Sanford for the last 30 years.

Memorial contributions can be made to Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption (CARA), 42 Deep River Rd, Sanford, NC 27330; or Lemon Spring United Methodist Church, 7225 Lemon Springs Rd, Sanford, NC 27332.