Thomas Hayne Smith, Sr.

Mr. Thomas Hayne Smith, Sr., 76, courageously finished his race here on earth October 9, 2015. He was born November 16, 1938 to the late Marion Adolphus Smith and Helen Dodson Smith of Winston Salem, NC. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Myrtle James Smith, his twin sons James Dodson Smith (Myra) and Thomas Hayne Smith, Jr., and his one and only special grandson, Thomas Hayne Smith, III, brother William Dodson Smith, and sister Marion Smith Horne. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. He graduated from James A Gray High School and met regularly with his classmates until his death. He joined the US Navy and served on board the aircraft carrier USS Bennington. He enjoyed attending his ship reunions each year where he reminisced with fellow sailors about life on the ocean. Thomas was employed by Siemens Westinghouse as a Machinist for 31 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 505 and the Veterans of Foreign War Post 10346 where he served faithfully in the Honor Guard until his health failed. Above all, he loved his savior Jesus Christ and attending Turner's Creek Baptist Church. His family and friends knew him as a kind and loving man. He had a compassionate heart and enjoyed cutting up and having a good time. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 13th, at Gentry Family Funeral Services in Yadkinville by his Pastor, Scott Welch and lifelong friend Pastor Bill Campbell. Interment will follow at Macedonia Moravian Church in Advance, NC. The family will receive friends Monday, October 12th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Gentry Family Funeral Services in Yadkinville. The family would like to express a special thanks to all his care givers at Forsyth Hospital over the past 6 months. Memorials may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 10346 at 4328 Wilhelm Rd., Boonville, NC 27011. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Smith family.