J. Erwin Smith, 88, of Wilmington passed away peacefully on Monday, January 2, 2012 at his home with family at his side.

Born January 31, 1923 in Sampson County, he was the son of the late George Washington and Celia Elizabeth Waters Smith. He was also predeceased by his brothers, George W. Smith, Foster Smith, Edgar Smith and sister, Ruth Smith Peterson.

Erwin is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Vera Lee DeVane Smith; son, James "Jim" E. Smith, Jr. and wife Deborah of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Deirdre "DeeDee" Lynn Smith Byrnes and husband David of Wilmington; grandchildren, Douglas Smith and Alexander Byrnes; special brothers and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

He served his country honorably in the US Navy during WWII.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Bradley Creek Chapel with the Reverend Carroll Barnhill, the Reverend Eugene Ridley and the Reverend Steve Gasque officiating.

Burial will follow with military honors in Haw Bluff Baptist Church Cemetery, 1433 Haw Bluff Road, Kelly, NC 28448.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Bradley Creek Chapel, 315 Willow Woods Dr., Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial gifts be sent to Haw Bluff Baptist Church, c/o Diane Norris, 24276 NC Hwy 210 E., Kelly, NC 28448.

The family would like to thank the staff of Lower CapeFear Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care given to the Smith family.

You may share your memories and send your condolences to the Smith family by clicking on our "Memory Wall" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Bradley Creek Chapel in Wilmington.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Bradley Creek Chapel.

Burial will follow in Haw Bluff Baptist Church Cemetery, 1433 Haw Bluff Road, Kelly, NC 28448.
The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Bradley Creek Chapel, 315 Willow