Clarence A. Smith

Mr. Clarence A. “Wedley” Smith, 83, of Mount Airy, embarked on his next journey on Monday morning, December 4, 2023, from the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, with family by his side.  Mr. Smith was born November 7, 1940, in Carroll County, VA, one of thirteen children born to the late Carl and Flora Elizabeth Boyd Smith.  Clarence retired from Bassett Furniture and spent his golden years helping raise his two beloved grandchildren, volunteering with his church family, and relaxing with the love of his life, his wife of 58 years.  He is survived by his wife, Mamie Gwynn Smith; his daughter, Wendy Smith Marion and her significant other, Joshua Bishop; his grandchildren, Colt Smith Marion and Clara Renae Marion; his brothers, William “Bill” Smith, Alvin Smith, and Jack Smith; and his sister, Bettie Watts.  Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Oscar Combs; a sister-in-law, Susie Smith; many nieces and nephews, including two special nephews, Roger Allen and his partner, John Plasman, and Roy Smith and his wife, Beth; and numerous cousins.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his brothers, Milton Carl Smith, Jesse Kyle Smith, Donald D. Smith, James Lee Smith, Raleigh Swanson Smith, Hassell Gene Smith, and Calvin Gray Smith; and his sister, Susan Smith Combs.  Clarence was a man who adored his family and lived his life to enrich others.  He enjoyed his dog, Lela, gardening, bluegrass music, woodworking, and telling stories about his moonshining days.  Mr. Smith was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Mount Airy for many years and freely gave his time and talents to the growth and upkeep of the church.  Clarence loved to fry ham with RD Busick and Leon Matthews at the many ham suppers the church had and enjoyed being a member of his Sunday school class.  Clarence will be deeply missed by his family and people in the Salem community, but his legacy of love, laughter, acceptance, and wisdom will live on through his devoted daughter and grandchildren.  The funeral service will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Salem United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jack Danley, the Rev. Steven Corn, and the Rev. Jason Johnson officiating.  Burial will follow in the Mount Bethel Moravian Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy.  Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 1427 Edgewood Drive, Suite 101, Mount Airy, NC  27030; or a charity of the donor’s choice.