Rudolph Sylvester Smith

Rudolph Sylvester Smith, age 88, passed away Monday, October 31, 2011. Born in Nash County, February 07, 1923, he is the son of the late Robert Fred Smith and Mattie Mae Culpepper Smith. If you knew him, you would say, “Hes a man that walks with the Lord. His children rise up and praise him for the wonderful example he set for them.” He would say (to quote Proverbs) : “In his heart a man plans his course; but the Lord determines his steps.” A devoted servant, he leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret Langley Smith; three daughters, Susan Smith Arey, Roslyn Smith Gragg and husband Larry, and Beth Smith; son, Rudolph S. Smith Jr.; six grandchildren, Meg Arey Bell (Ray), Jennifer Arey Holloman (Steve), Marley Gragg Ungaro (Andrew), Allen Smith Gragg (Rachael), Jeffrey Valentine and Amanda Marie Smith; and six great-grandchildren, Langley Ungaro, Grey Ungaro, Stephen Holloman, Joshua Holloman, Arby Bell, and Roman Desmond. He also leaves a caring, loving and devoted sister, Mattieleene Smith Johnson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Rudolph joined and was baptized at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church at the young age of 7. During his lifetime, he served as Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School, Church Treasurer, Deacon and Elder. He was a charter member of the West Mount Ruritan Club where he earned a 19 year perfect attendance pin. Many, if not most, knew Rudolph as the proprietor of West Mount Saddlery Company and his love for horses. He made his first saddle at the age of 12 for the Honorable Congressman Harold Cooley. At his early age, he knew where his steps would follow in the horse and saddle business. This was a fulfilling hobby and side business for Rudolph as he also retired from the U. S. Postal Service after 30 years. The family will receive friends and relatives from 7:00pm to 8:30pm Tuesday, November 01, 2011 at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home. A “Going Home” service will be held at 1:00pm Wednesday, November 02, 2011 at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bettie Kirkpatrick officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to West Mount Ruritan Scholarship Fund, 1520 Old Mill Road, Rocky Mount NC 27803. The family truly appreciated the loving care given by everyone at Brekenridge Retirement Center and Community Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Tuesday 11/1, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 1460 Bethlehem Road Rocky Mount , NC 27803 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-7628 --> | Wednesday 11/2, 1:00 pm Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804