Wilbert Lee Smith, age 88, of Wallace, died Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Brian Center of Wallace.

He was born December 23, 1923 in Sampson County, the son of the late LeRoy and Eva Register Smith. He is predeceased by his wife, Anita Joyce Blackburn Smith and son, Danny Smith.

Mr. Smith served his country honorably in the US Navy where he began his career of cutting hair. He received his barber license in 1947 and begin working in Wallace in 1952. He continued serving the Wallace community as a barber for over 59 years. "Mr. Wilbert", as he was affectionately called, was the ideal grandfatherly-type barber that catered to young children as well as adults. He knew how to settle them down by always giving them a small red comb, gum or candy. Mr. Smith was owner and operator of Wilbert's Barber Shop. Mr. Wilbert will be missed but cherished memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Surviving are his loving family, daughters, Sandra Wheeler (Jimmy) of Harrells and Pam S. Shepard (Roger) of Wallace; daughter-in-law, Carol Smith of Kenansville; grandchildren, Michael Glenn Wheeler, Ray Wheeler, Karen Smith McGee (Keith), Stephen Smith, Sammy Shepard (Dana), Rodney Shepard (April) and Rhonda Northcott (Chris); 12 great grandchildren; sisters, Eleanor King of Ingold, Gladys Pegram of Littleton and Dollie Knowles (J.C.) of Garner; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with the Rev. Byron Murray and the Rev. Joseph Tew officiating.

Burial will follow with military honors in Riverview Memorial Park, Watha.

Casketbearers will be Michael Glenn Wheeler, Ray Wheeler, Stephen Smith, Sammy Shepard, Rodney Shepard, Drew Wheeler and Keith McGee.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Friday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace and other times at Mr. Smith's home.

You may send condolences to the family by clicking on our "Memory Wall" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Wallace.


Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel.

Burial will follow with military honors in Riverview Memorial Park, Watha.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Friday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace and other times at Mr. Smithâ