Philip Smith

Philip W. Smith, age 68, of Greenville, SC, formerly of Forest City, NC, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Mission Hospital-St. Joseph Campus in Asheville.
Phil was born October 18, 1950 in Buncombe County to the late Rev. C.B. Smith and Clara B. Smith. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School, class of 1969. Phil served his country in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked for Dan River Mill-Harris Plant for many years and was a member of the Missionary Wesleyan Church in Forest City. Phil was an avid NC Tarheel fan and enjoyed fishing. He especially loved having good times with his family and was known for his sense of humor.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, C.B. Smith, Jr. and a sister, Char Efrid and by two grandchildren, Payton Alexander and Baby Robinson.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of forty-six years, Judy Wall Smith; two daughters, Elizabeth "Libby" Smith Kyhkynen (Jim) of Greenville, SC and Nichoel "Nikki" Smith Robinson (Wendall) of Forest City; two sisters, Lib Roberson (Larry) and Janice Perdue (Paul) all of Eden, NC. He is also survived by six grandchildren, James Jr. Devens, Jacob Kyhkynen, Jenna Kyhkynen, Sierra Kyhkynen, Cameron Kyhkynen, Ian Kyhkynen; two step-great-grandchildren, Helena Devens and Kason Devens and a host of special loved ones.
A celebration of Phil's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2019 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Roy T. Byers and Reverend Matt Mitchell officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. Phil's ashes will be buried on a later date at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial donations are requested to the Rutherford County Senior Center, 193 Callahan Koon Road, Spindale, NC 28160.