Vernie Edwin Smith, age 89, of Lumberton died on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Golden Living Nursing Center in Lumberton. He was born in Halifax County, NC on December 24, 1926 to the late Ervy Jackson and Lula Bet Cooley Smith. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He then worked for and retired from the railroad having worked 40 years for CSX. He was a member of the Robeson County Bee Keepers Association and a member of Chestnut Street United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Douglas Edwin Smith.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bobbie Jean Smith of the home; a son, Gregg Smith (Lee Ann) of Virginia Beach, VA; a sister, Edith Strickland of Norfolk, VA; and two granddaughters, Alicia Smith of New York, NY and Isabelle Smith of Tucson, AZ.

A time of visitation will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016 from 1:00-2:00 PM at Chestnut Street United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow the visitation at the church at 2:00 PM with Rev. Herbert Lowery officiating. Burial will follow the service at Meadowbrook Cemetery in Lumberton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be made to the Chestnut Street United Methodist Church, 200 East 8th Street, Lumberton, NC 28358.