Oscar Smith, Jr.

Oscar Alford Smith, Jr., 99, of Westbrook Drive passed away peacefully on Wednesday,  April 9, 2019 surrounded by family at his home. A native of Caswell County, he was the son of Oscar Alford Smith and Kate Bradner Smith.  He was the husband of 59 years to Laura Morgan Smith, who died in 2005.

Oscar retired from Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company after 33 years as a buyer.  He served as a pilot instructor from 1943-1945 during WWII, making him a member of the greatest generation.  Oscar trained pilots on the B-17 and B-24 bombers. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years of service.

Oscar was a friend to all he met.  He delivered fruits and vegetables to friends and neighbors, along with a friendly chat. He was a regular at the YMCA and enjoyed walking in the mall. Oscar played golf almost every day, because it never rains on the golf course as he would say. He was proud of his five holes-in-one.

Oscar was a member of First Baptist Church of Burlington and a former volunteer for Meals on Wheels.  He was a member of Caswell Masonic Lodge #11, a member of the Senior Golf Association and a member of the Kiwanis Club.

Survivors include his daughter, Tina S. Manning and husband Lloyd of Burlington; grandchildren, Katherine M. Wilkinson and husband Chris, Matthew Manning and Kyle Smith; great grandchildren, Dustin Boggs and Patrick Wilson. He was predeceased by his wife Laura, his sons, Greg and Kelly, and his granddaughter, Lauri Boggs.

The family would like to thank Hospice for their care of Oscar and his caretaker Tony for his faithful service.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, April 15, 2019 at 2:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Burlington by Dr. Terry Peele. Burial will follow at Alamance Memorial Park with military honors by the US Air Force Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 2-4pm on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory and other times at the home of his daughter.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 400 S. Broad Street, Burlington, NC 27215 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

”Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.” John Magee, Jr.