Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NASHVILLE, NC – Jay Wilson Smith, Jr., 79, passed away on October 3, 2023. He was the son of Jay Wilson Smith, Sr. and Gwendolyn Hall Smith of Murfreesboro, North Carolina.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Violet (Sue) Parker Smith; one daughter, Leigh Smith O’Neill of Hillsborough, NC; one granddaughter, Hannah Caitlyn O’Neill of Blacksburg, VA; one brother, Al Smith (Doris); two sisters, Kathy Fowlkes (Mike) and Jewel Johnson (Dan), seven nephews and two nieces along with 15 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Joanne Schell (Lee) and Lynn Pope (Tony); and a nephew, Gregory Smith.

Jay worked for the Carolina Telephone Company for 2 1/2 years, the Nash County Health Department for 30 years and the Nash Rocky Mount Public School System for 5 years. After that he did seasonal work for Mike Edwards, Brent Leggett and Mike Harper.

Jay loved the outdoors—cutting grass, gardening, fishing and hunting.

He was a former member of the National Guard and the Nashville Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member at Rock Creek Baptist Church and served in various capacities there.

Jay will be missed by his family, friends and neighbors, but will enjoy his new address, Heaven, as he meets his Savior Jesus Christ face to face, and reunites with family and friends.

A Memorial service will be held at Rock Creek Baptist Church on October 7, 2023 with a visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the service to follow. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to Rock Creek Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society.

The family wants to thank Amedisys Hospice for their care and support.

Cornerstone Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Smith family and words of comfort may be shared at www.cornerstonefuneralhomeandcremations.com. Cornerstone Funeral Home 1052 South First Street, Nashville, NC 27856.