George William Smith, 66, passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the VA Medical Center in Asheville.  A native of Gaston County, he was the son of Elsie Cook Smith McKinish and the late Fred Charles Smith.  He is also preceded in death by his sister Janice Smith Johnson.

Mr. Smith honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1963 – 1967.  He was a devoted member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church and was affectionately known as the night watchman of the church and surrounding community.  He enjoyed collecting die-cast cars.

Mr. Smith is survived by his daughters, Carmen Parker (Paul) of Shelby and Brittany Smith and fiancé Brandon Justice of Shelby; granddaughter, Tory Jan Parker of Shelby; grandsons, Lane and Vince Parker of Shelby.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church with military rites.  The Rev. Tim Trexler will be officiating.  The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 4:00pm prior to the service at the church.  At other times the family will be at the home of Carmen and Paul Parker, 138 Dixie Drive, Shelby.

Memorials may be given to Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, 1227 Mt. Sinai Church Road, Shelby, NC 28152.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Smith.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Printing in:  Shelby Star (Paid w/pic); Charlotte Observer 142329 (Free); Gaston Gazette (free)