Earl P. Smith, of Lumberton, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen J. Smith and Martha Hodges Smith; his brother, Manly Smith; and his sister, Aileen S. Willis.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Inez B. Smith; his children: Lynn Smith Bright (Ron) of Apex, NC; Jan Smith Morrow (Billy) of Virginia Beach, VA; and Steve Smith (Candy) of Lumberton; his grandchildren: Amber Giles and Jarrad Giles, both of Raleigh, NC; and his great-grandchildren: Rachel, Carly, James, Lauren, and Naomi Giles.

Earl founded Smith's Cleaners in Lumberton in 1949 and operated it until his retirement in 1999. He was a dedicated member of Raft Swamp Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, choir director, and Sunday School teacher. He also gladly filled any role the church needed. He was a quiet man of few words, who led by example. He was a devout Christian who was a great steward of his time and money and served his community whenever needed. He had a green thumb and grew all kinds of plants, especially roses, which he happily shared with anyone who asked. He loved his family without measure and was well-loved and respected in return.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, September 9, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Floyd Memorial Chapel in Lumberton with Rev. Joe Bounds and Rev. Mark Hall officiating.

Following the service, the family will receive guests from 12:00-2:00 PM at the Bible Alive Fellowship Building located at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Raft Swamp Baptist Church, 2766 NC Hwy 72 W., Lumberton, NC 28358; Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607; or to The Boys and Girls Homes of Lake Waccamaw, 400 Flemington Dr, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.