July 31, 2024, 77, Goldsboro —
John Alton (Al) Smith, 77, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Wayne County on December 17, 1946, he was the son of the late Raymond and Nannie Mae Anderson Smith.
In addition to his parents, Alton was preceded in death by his siblings, Doug Smith, and Nora Smith, and twin brother, Dalton Smith.
Alton is survived by his loving wife, Wanda A. Smith; children, Deanna Mercer (Michael) and John T. Smith; grandchildren, Carter Mercer, John Robert Mercer, Ryan Mercer, Reagan Smith, and Parker Smith; siblings, Daniel Smith, Dora Snow, Sandra Roberts, and Jarvis Smith; and several dear nieces and nephews.
Alton graduated from Atlantic Christian College with a Bachelors Degree in History. He worked in education as a teacher, and later as headmaster at Tarboro Edgecombe Academy. Alton subsequently worked in telecommunications for 27 years, initially as an admin manager, then regional training manager with Sprint, advancing to national training manager. Following his employment with Sprint/Embarq, Alton founded his own business with Wanda, which they operated for five years prior to his retirement.
Alton could often be found on the golf course, playing in a group, with family, or by himself, he found much joy while playing golf. He could always be depended on to organize and participate in charitable tournaments of the game he loved with co-workers and friends,
A devoted husband and father, Alton’s primary goal in life was to live selflessly, be a good father and husband, and put his family before himself. Nothing made Alton happier than having the family together at the farm, having cook-outs and letting the grandchildren ride or drive the tractor. His grandchildren were the apples of his eye and time spent together with them was always an adventure, whether that was on family beach trips or just trips to the local park. Alton worshipped at Hood Swamp Friends Meeting. He was a faithful member and loved worshipping his Lord.
A service to celebrate Alton’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024, in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Cheryl Benson officiating. Interment will follow at the Smith Family Cemetery near the home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at Seymour Funeral Home.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff, nurses, and doctors of Fresenius Kidney Care, 3HC Hospice, and UNC Heart and Vascular. The love and compassion shown to Alton during his extended illness is something the family is forever grateful for.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hood Swamp Friends Church or Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
