Willard Smith

Willard Harvey Smith, Jr. Mr. Smith, 93, formerly of Charlotte, died April 28, 2010 at Presbyterian Hospital. He was born in Pikeville, NC on July 3, 1916, son of the late Willard and Addy Smith. Mr. Smith is a veteran of the United States Army, serving in World War II at Pearl Harbor. He worked in the furniture business as a salesman and manager for Johnston Furniture Company for forty years and then with K-Town Furniture Company for over twenty years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Kate Findley Smith; and daughters, Joyce Niven and Julia Henderson. Mr. Smith is survived by his daughter, Sandra Smith Merriman and her husband, Dan; son, W.H. Billy Smith, III and his fiancé, Lavonne Phillips; grandchildren, Tracy Burdette, Dustin and Denver Smith, David and Derick Niven, Leigh Ely, and Chris and Brad Henderson; great-grandchildren, Nicole Mayo, Corey Burdette, Josh Niven, Elise Niven, Timothy Niven, Elizabeth Niven, Colby Niven, and Taylor Niven; and one great-great grandchild, Tyler; and special friend, Betty Cooper. His funeral service will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 30, 2010 in the chapel of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 with the Reverend Bobby Morrow of Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Sharon Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service.