WILMINGTON — Loyd Lee Smith, 89, passed at Davis Community on February 19, 2025. He was born in Delco, NC on September 16, 1935 to William Jasper Smith and Mary Jane Champion Smith.
He enlisted in the Army in 1958 and served for 2 years. He retired from Riegelwood Federal Paper after 43 years in 1997.
Loyd met the love of his life, Hilda, in Wilmington, NC and began a 62 year adventure.
He enjoyed the many family camping trips and playing the slot machines at casinos. He loved to bowl, play golf and shoot pool. As he aged, he was not able to participate in these activities but his special buddy, Steve King would come by the house to visit and take him to shoot pool.
Loyd was loved by everyone who knew him. Family and friends were important and he enjoyed the many barbecues and dinners shared with them. When he could no longer drive to these, one of his nephews, Buddy or Jeffrey were always there to pick him up and take him so he could continue to see his family in Delco. His special great-nephew Tony Talman would come by the house to watch a Carolina basketball game or take him out to eat at one of his favorite restaurants.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Hilda Raye Potter Smith; sons, Michael Lloyd Smith and Gregory Earl Smith; sisters, Susie Rymar, Margaret Lewis, Irene Blanton, Ida Oglesby and Barbara Smith; and brothers, Jessie Smith, Raymond Smith, Thurmond Smith and Johnny Smith.
Loyd is survived by his daughter, Allison Denise Bridges (David); brother, Gerald Smith (Patsy); and many nieces and nephews; and one special great-nephew, Tony Talman.
A special thanks to his caregiver Lisa for all that she did for him. The family would like to thank the Davis Community Rehab staff and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center for the care given to Lloyd.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Andrews Valley Chapel with his sister-in-law, Rev. Patsy Smith, officiating. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 1:00pm until the service hour. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Honorary pallbearer is Steve King. Pallbearers are Tony Talman, Buddy Smith, Jeffrey Smith, John King, Steven King and Bryant Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Loyd’s honor may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401, or online at lifecare.org.
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