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Randy “Fresno” Smith

March 4, 1950 ~ November 20, 2019

ROCKY MOUNT - Randy “Fresno” Smith, age 69, passed away surrounded by friends and family on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. Randy was born in New Hanover County on March 4, 1950. He was the son of Harold Allyn Smith, Jr. and Ethel Newell Pendleton Smith. Randy, or "Fresno" to friends, but affectionately known as "Bubba" to his family, was a devoted member of the Rocky Mount Fire Department for 26 years. Randy was a man with a big heart. He loved helping everyone he could, whether it was buying a tank of gas, a hot meal, or donating what he could to charity. He was a man who never outgrew the kids table, loved endlessly, and devoted his time and love to his family and friends. Randy was a member of the Englewood United Methodist Church. He is survived by his brother, Scott Smith and his wife, Terri, of Garner; sister Julia Winslow and her husband, Mark, of Ellenboro; as well as his nieces and nephews, Greyson Smith and Morgan and Michael Zezefellis of Raleigh, and Bryan Winslow of Banner Elk; as well as a great-nephew, Owen Zezefellis; along with many special friends and loved ones. A Celebration of Randy's Life will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at 3:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Pastor Terry Williams officiating. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service in the church's Sanctuary from 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Randy's honor to the Rocky Mount Fire Department Benevolent Fund, 375 East Raleigh Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27801 or the Holly Project: UNC Lineberger, Attn: Kate Gray, Campus Box # 7295, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Englewood United Methodist Church 300 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2926 --> | Sunday 12/1, 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the Englewood United Methodist Church Sanctuary. Service Englewood United Methodist Church 300 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2926 --> | Sunday 12/1, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm A Celebration of Randy's Life will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at 3:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Pastor Terry Williams officiating.

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  1. Dear Friend , You brought a strong and healing light into our lives. You restored my faith in mankind. Your gentle ways spoke volumes. The sun will be a bit dimmer! Rest knowing you were a beacon of light to many, Never grow up!!!

  2. We go way back with the Smith family. We loved each and every one of them and will truly miss Randy as we do Newell and Smitty!! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family

  3. Every time I saw Fresno he had smile on his face. He was always happy wanted to know how y family was doing. My grateful thanks for his dedication in protecting homes and businesses in Rocky Mount as fireman. Rest and enjoy heaven. My sincere sympathy to his family, Martha and Tom Barnes

  4. Randy was always a great person to work with and his humor and snappy wit were legendary. He had an infectious laugh and a great smile all the time, an kept everyone at the fire stations he worked at smiling and laughing even when we were all working hard. His finest moment as a great human being may have happened during the floods from Hurricane Floyd in 1999. I heard of how he spent many hours helping his neighbors in the apartment complex he lived in move their furniture and save their valuables and belongings even though he acutely aware and could see his own apartment and know that his belongings were going under water. He will be missed a lot.

  5. Randy (aka Fresno) was a good friend, dedicated public servant, and a very caring individual. In addition to his family & friends, Fresno leaves behind many firefighters who served along side him and knew him well. We, his fire dept family, have so many fond memories of Fresno and we shared much laughter together during our times in the fire stations. Fresno, your service will not be forgotten sir. Sincerely, J. Keith Harris RMFD Chief (retired)


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