June 29, 2026, 84, Snow Hill – It is with profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Kelly Smith, Jr. A devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, caring brother, proud uncle, faithful friend, and respected community leader. Born February 17, 1942 in Greene County, he was the beloved son of the late Kelly Lee Smith Jr and Lessie Lee Smith.
Kelly leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, and unwavering dedication to both his family and his community.
Kelly graduated from South Greene High School before continuing his education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T State University). Answering the call to serve his country, he proudly served in the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, demonstrating the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that would define his life.
Following his military service, Kelly began a distinguished career with Bridgestone/Firestone in Wilson, North Carolina, where he dedicated more than 30 years as a tire rebuilder. Through hard work, integrity, and an unmatched work ethic, he earned the respect of coworkers and built a reputation for excellence and dependability.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kelly was deeply committed to serving his community. He was an active member of the American Legion, the NAACP, and Lodge 536, where he devoted countless hours to supporting veterans, advocating for equality, mentoring others, and strengthening the community he loved. His willingness to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, and the ability to stand up for others made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Above all, Kelly treasured his family. He was a devoted husband whose love and partnership provided a strong foundation for his home. As a father and grandfather, he instilled the values of faith, perseverance, respect, and education. His guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love will continue to live on through the generations he inspired.
Kelly’s life was a testament to honor, service, compassion, and faith. Whether serving his country, supporting his community, or caring for those he loved, he led by example and left an enduring legacy that will never be forgotten.
He will be deeply missed by his loving family, lifelong friends, fellow veterans, colleagues, fraternity and civic brothers, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing him. Though our hearts mourn his passing, we rejoice in the memories he created and the extraordinary life he lived.
Kelly Smith, Jr. leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted and loving wife, Dorothy Ray Smith; his beloved children, Garrett Jerome Ray (Ieshia), Barry Lamont Smith (Tracy), Jacqueline Smith-Haddock (Floyd), Marcus Anthony Smith (Shakira), and Margaletta Smith Reid (Willie); and his two adopted grandchildren, Talasia Annyona Smith and Jacquavious Cornelious Smith, whom he loved as his own. He also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Destinee Smith, Zachary Smith, Dayla Ned, Devyn Ned, Miracle Smith, Kelli Smith, Aniyah Smith, Ja’Kaylin Smith; and three great grandchildren who brought immeasurable joy and pride to his life; his loving siblings, Elder Johnnie Smith, Sr. (Doris), Missionary Clara Smith Shaw, Timothy Smith, Eloise Rountree (James), Cynthia Smith Flemmings (Darryl), and Sheila Smith; two brothers-in-law, Roy Joyner and Leon Ray; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other beloved relatives, lifelong friends, fellow veterans, and community members whose lives were forever touched by his kindness, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering love.
His memory will forever be cherished, his legacy honored, and his love carried forward by all who were blessed to know him.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Supervisor Kelly Lee Smith, Sr. and Lessie Lee Smith as well as one brother, Jeremiah Smith, and two sisters, Lillis Cleo Jones Leverette and Evelyn Joyner .
His memory will forever be cherished, his legacy honored, and his love carried forward by all who were blessed to know him.
Services to celebrate his life will be held Sunday July 5, 2026 2:00 PM at Washington Branch Free Will Baptist Church located at 716 Washington Branch Church Road, Snow Hill. Public viewing will be held from 1:00-1:45 PM prior to the services. Burial will take place Monday, July 6, 2026 at 12:00 at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery located at 164 Longs Plant Farm Road Goldsboro.
For those who are unable to attend, the service will be available for online viewing, and a virtual guestbook will be available to share your condolences and memories.
Flowers may be delivered to Hamilton Funeral Home, 1220 North William Street Goldsboro, July 4, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 PM In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully accepts memorial donations in honor of Kelly Smith, Jr. Contributions may be made directly to the family or through the funeral home.
“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
Professional and Compassionate Services have been entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
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