On Sunday, April 4, 2021, Rex W. Smith, known to many as Grandy, father of three children, went home to celebrate Easter with his Lord and Savior and loving wife, Patsy Shelton Smith. Rex was born on October 22, 1930 in King, North Carolina to Herman and Nelly (Warner) Smith. From 1950 to 1954, during the Korean War, he was a Boatswain's Mate Third Class/Tugboat Master and Harbor Pilot in Subic Bay, Philippines while serving in the United States Navy. On April 9, 1955, he married Patsy Shelton and they raised three daughters. He worked at Carswell Distributing from 1956 to 2001, when he retired to stay at home to care for his wife.

He was a member of First Christian Church of King, where he had served as an Elder. His family has many wonderful memories of camping and waterskiing with him as they were kids. He was an avid reader and member of the Piedmont Swing Dance Society. He raised orchids and was referred to many as the “Orchid Whisperer." He was proud to open his pool to all the many children in the church and community.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herman; mother, Nelly; wife, Pat; great-granddaughter, Nevaeh; sister, Inell; and brothers, Leo, Don, and Darrell. He is survived by his three daughters: Pennie Eudy (Thomas) of Albemarle, Robin Voss (Earl) of King, and Tammy Covel (Ron) of King. He is also survived by his sister, Marleen Denny; brothers, Ted Smith (June) and Morris Smith (Jean); grandchildren, Alicia Schweizer (Jeremy), Matthew Eudy (Michelle), Jamen Voss (Michael), Andrew Voss (Casey), Daniel Covel; and nine great-grandchildren: Zoey, Zana, Zaya, Hannah, Tristan, Madison, Ella Grace, Caleb, and Cayden. He also counted as special friends, Gus and Maria Hodges.

The family will receive friends at 10am at First Christian Church of King on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Weather permitting, a graveside service will follow at 11am (indoors, if not). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to the building fund of First Christian Church of King or Dancing Daughters Ministries in King, North Carolina.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Rex W. Smith.  Online Condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.