Edwin Hal Smitherman

Mr. Edwin Hal Smitherman, 78, of East Bend went home to be with the Lord on June 8, 2012. He was born on December 17, 1933, in Yadkin County to the late Yancy and Edith Hutchens Smitherman. Hal graduated from East Bend High School Class of 1953. He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 in Japan (Korean Conflict). He was employed at Pilot Freight Carriers over 35 years. He was a retired member of the Fall Creek Fire Department and a member of American Legion Post 336. After retirement he enjoyed life farming, gardening, woodworking, and especially helping neighbors. He was a life-long and very active member of Forbush Friends Meeting. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Derl Gray Smitherman. Hal is survived by his wife of 54 years Bessie Seats Smitherman; a son Kevin Smitherman, and wife Sandra; a daughter Sheila Vogler, and husband Eddie; and daughter Adelia Smitherman; grandchildren Whitney and Kayla Smitherman, Rachel and Elliott Vogler; a sister and brother-in-law Janice and Johnny Williard and sister-in-law Anne Smitherman. He also enjoyed spending time with Ricky Doub of Wm. Doub and Son Excavating. The family will receive family and friends from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Monday night at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday at Forbush Friends Meeting by Rev. Andy Lambert. He will lie in-state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Forbush Friends Family Life Center, c/o Mary Wooten, 2821 Mill Hill Road, East Bend, NC 27018. Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service is serving the Smitherman Family.