Dewey Smith, 74

Dewey Smith
November 14, 1944 – January 9, 2019
Many descriptive words come to mind when talking about Dewey; simple, humble, kind, generous, peacemaker, man of character, honorable, dependable, provider, hard worker, gentle, spoke kindly of others, loving, and fun. None of these words standing alone do justice to who he was as a person. He was devoted to his family, country, and community.
Dewey the 'husband' married Libby Houser in 1965 and they have been married 53 years. He was blessed with the devotion of his wife all these years and especially this last year as he struggled through his illness.
Dewey the 'father' loved his son Darin very much. He taught Darin the value of hard work, the importance of integrity, and illustrated how to be a man of character.
Dewey was a simple man and he lived simply. He was not concerned with accumulating wealth or material things. His focus was to take care of his wife and family, and to help his friends and neighbors.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed God’s creation. That’s where he communed with God and relaxed even when he was working. Put him on a tractor or bulldozer and he was a happy man. Dewey loved to work and had a reputation for hard work. He was a great provider for his family. He even quit school at an early age so he could go to work and help his mother provide for his brothers and sister.
Dewey sacrificed his formal education to help provide for his siblings but he didn’t lack knowledge. He had many skills including mechanics, grading and landscaping, sawmill operation, logging, operating heavy equipment, etc. It was evident to us, family as well as friends, that he was smart and was a problem solver. If it was broke he could fix it.  
The Bible tells us in Leviticus 19:18 …but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self. (KJV) Dewey demonstrated his love for his neighbors throughout the community and would eagerly lend a helping hand to those in need.
Dewey is an Army Veteran who served in Viet Nam. His time in service was not something he liked to talk about.
Dewey was a peacemaker. He disliked arguing, family quarrels, abuse, or to see harm come to others or any living thing. He did not speak unkindly of others and always looked for the good in people even when they were unkind. He would say; “you never know what that person may be going through”.
Dewey was also a humble man. He didn’t want recognition for anything good he had done or to be the center of attention. He was a man who lived his faith rather than talk about it.
Dewey loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. He made us all laugh with his colloquial sayings but there was usually a grain of wisdom in his words.
Dewey will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and neighbors but we know he is safe in the hands of his loving Father. After a year of health struggles he is now at peace.
Dewey was a US Army Vietnam Veteran and a member of Fairview Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Libby" Houser Smith; his son Darin Edward Smith and wife Kiyini of Golden Valley; his sister, Doris Elliott of Mill Spring; his brothers, J.B., Clay, Harold and Morris, all of Golden Valley; a half sister, Corene McDaniel of Rutherfordton; and his granddaughter, Makayla Yarbrough.
A Graveside Service will be conducted at 3:00 pm Friday, January 11, 2019 at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. Chaplain Colonel Max Burgin will officiate. Pallbearers are Arthur Smith, Chris Smith, Jon Smith, Terry Self, Justin Colby Smith, and Bryson Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fairview Baptist Church, 4350 NC Hwy 226, Bostic, NC 28018.
Washburn & Dorsey is in charge of arrangements.