Richard Bruce Smith
May 14, 1928 ~ January 23, 2017
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Richard "Bruce" Smith of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, born May 14, 1928, was united with his Lord and his beloved wife, Nancy, on January 23, 2017. He was also predeceased by his parents, Lillie Jackson Wood Smith and Richard Berry Smith and his "big sisters," Winifred Elizabeth Hendley and Doris Rachael Rivers Goodson.
Bruce is survived by his children, sons-in-law and grandchildren: Freda Smith Vittone (Victoria); Cynthia Smith and Joseph Barsanti (Catherine and Phillip); Richard Scott Smith and his special friend, Cam Fisher; and Katherine (Kitty) Smith and Jay Bergen (Ben and Meg). He is also survived by many very special nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
Bruce grew up in Cordele, Georgia, served in the United States Army as a radio specialist during the Korean War. He attended Cooks Radio School in Jackson, Mississippi which prepared him for a career in the radio business as a broadcaster and general manager of two radio stations in Georgia. He had the privilege of interviewing President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as other celebrities and dignitaries. He later became a sales representative for Fulghum Industries of Wadley, Georgia.
The Bruce Smith family moved to Rocky Mount in 1969 and became members of First Baptist Church. Those who knew and loved Bruce would say he was a kind gentle man with charisma and a vibrant "radio voice". And, the ones who knew Bruce the best will remember him often saying, "Thank you and what can I do for you?"
A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017. A Celebration of Life Service will be held and published at a later date.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Bruce's caregivers, Doris Moore, Jeanette Arrington, Tanya Evancho and Malinda Lynch. They were his angels of mercy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make donations to the Bryant T. Aldridge Rehabilitation Center, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and 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.
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Freda, Kitty, Cindy and Scott. So sorry to hear of your sweet daddy’s passing. He was a special man. He loved his family deeply and I know he will live on in your hearts. We are praying for comfort for each of you. Love you all. Shirley McNaney.
Hello Bruce Smith family My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. I new Bruce as a customer of the company I worked for. He worked at Fulghum Industries, I worked at Industrial Electric, Inc and Fulghum Fibres. We worked together on many projects He was a kind man and a great friend. He helped me a lot with his knowledge of electrical equipment. He will be greatly missed. Bobby Harris Psalm 116 15
Scot, Freda, Cindy, and Kitty – I’m so sorry for your loss. Uncle Bruce will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Heidi
He was my favorite Uncle . Enduringly patient, kind, playful and a strong example of the Best of Humanity. He leaves us a legacy of children and grandchildren who will continue to cultivate these best atributes into a better world. He will always be with us.
Our condolences Bruce Smith family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The slide show was very sweet. Love Rese Freddy Trey and Savannah Bergen
Dear Freida, Cindy, Kitty and Scott, Uncle Bruce is now with his soul mate Aunt Nancy and I know that makes him happy! I miss talking to him. I miss hearing his voice. He took me back in my memories to the good ole days every time I talked to him. When I was a little thing and you lived in Albany, Uncle Bruce taught me to eat smoke oysters…..I have so many memories…for instance swimming at the Springs with ya’ll when he drove us all down for a day! Uncle Bruce loved to make everyone happy. He would spare no expense or effort to do that for all those he loved. He was a real gentleman and a fun person. And he loved Jesus. He is missed by me and many of us cousins. I hold him in my heart and think of you all often, knowing you are missing him deeply. I am proud of my family heritage….and Uncle Bruce is a part of that heratage as he left a wonderful impact on my life. God Bless you each as you find your way without him here on earth. I love you. I am so sorry for your loss and pray for healing and for you to be able to rejoice in your good memories. Cousin Pat Pennington