Duane Richard Smith

Duane Richard Smith, age 81, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 10, 2015. Duane was born August 31, 1934 in Elmira, NY, to the late Harold Wesley and Grace Belle Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sally Woods Smith; sons, Terrell Duane Smith, Randall Scott Smith and Bryan Harold Smith (Jennifer); 6 grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Anna Elizabeth, Kelly Elizabeth, Mary Catherine, Jacob Wesley, Rebekah Grace, and Clara Jane Smith; nieces, Debra Herron (John), Janet Grove, and Lisa Smith-Winkler (Steve). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Smith and Shirley Smith; and brother, Gerald Lee Smith (Carol). Duane grew up in upstate New York, and came to Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC in 1955. He met his sweetheart, Sally Woods, in 1956 and they were married on November 29, 1957 at Rosewood Baptist Church. Duane received a Bachelor's Degree from North Carolina State University and worked as a civil engineer. He retired from SCE&G after 30 years. Duane was a founding member of Oakwood Baptist Church, where he and Sally were active members. He is remembered as a strong man of faith, a loving husband, wonderful father, and proud Grandpa. He will be dearly missed by many, including their poodle, Sweetpea. The family will receive friends and family on Thursday, November 12, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road in Lexington. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Oakwood Baptist Church at 3520 Mineral Springs Road in Lexington, with interment at 4:00 p.m. in Live Oak Cemetery in Varnville, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Oakwood Baptist Church.