Herbert Smith

Mr. Herbert Oliver Smith, age 95, of Burlington, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Alamance Regional Medical Center after several months of failing health.
Herbert was born in 1920 to the late William P. and Alice B. Smith and grew up in Charlotte. He joined the Marine Corps at age 20 right after Pearl Harbor and served in the South Pacific with the 9th Defense Battalion, E Battery. After the war, he graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in electrical engineering. While there he met LaRue and they married in 1947. When the first baby came along, they moved from Baltimore to Burlington, where Herbert worked for Western Electric until his retirement in 1986. He was active as a Boy Scout leader with Troop 3 at Front Street Methodist Church. After LaRue's death, he volunteered at the hospital and for Hospice. He was nicknamed one of the "Magnificent 7" at the Hospice flea markets for his hard work, dedication and clever solutions to multiple challenges. He was fascinated by how things worked, and was known for being able to fix almost anything. He loved working with wood and tools, and made many of the dollies, racks, and signs that Hospice used for their flea markets and other events. A private man, he had a clever sense of humor and was a master of the pun. His heart was bigger than his body, his loyalty was unwavering, and he loved his children unconditionally. Of his 95 years, Herbert often claimed that he worked hard, got lucky, and never backed down.
He is survived by his three children, Kathryn Smith (Norm Stewart) of Kentucky, David Smith (Kim Carswell) of Winston-Salem, and Jeanne (Richard) Price of Virginia; two grandsons, William (Braulia) Price and David Price; one great-granddaughter, Kayla Price, and a second great grandchild due to arrive soon; two siblings, Rita and Claude Smith; two sisters-in-law, Marjorie Smith and Pat Smith; and several nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his beloved first wife of 47 years, LaRue Perry Smith; his parents; two brothers, Ernest and Paul Smith; a sister-in-law, Linda Smith; and his second wife, Estelle Garrison.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider performing several random acts of kindness in Herb's memory. We think he would be pleased.
Expressions of condolence may be sent to 5700 Coach Gate Wynde, Louisville, KY 40207, or you may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com.