William Edward "Ed" Smith, 83, of Shelby, NC passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at White Oak Manor in Kings Mountain, NC.

He was born on October 30, 1936 in Cleveland County, NC as the first son of the late Levi Smith and Fleeta Camp Smith.

"Ed" was a graduate of Camp High School and he was drafted into the U. S. Army. He was employed for over thirty years at Fiber Industries becoming a supervisor before his retirement. In 1966, Ed married his wife, Molene and together they raised and nurtured their two sons, Lopez and Everett. He was a devoted family man to them.

At an early age, Ed joined Shoal Creek Baptist Church where he was a deacon and was a singer with the Male and Senior Choirs. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, cooking, traveling and he loved sports particularly softball and basketball. Although Ed was stern, he enjoyed making people laugh and doting on his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Molene Byers Smith.

Left to cherish fond memories are his sons, Lopez Smith (Iris) of Shelby, NC and Everett Smith (Cera) of Concord, NC; five grandchildren, DaMarcus Smith, Jada Smith, Jalen Smith, Kendall Smith and Manning Armstrong; his siblings, Versia Gilmore, Elizabeth Willis, Frances Seary, Ruby Moses (Carey), Willie Mae Miller, Joseph Smith (Philann), Levi "L.B." Smith, John Smith (Merlene), Waymon "Gene" Smith, Gwen Campbell (Marsh) and Alberta Short who was raised as a sister; two sisters-in-law, Ruby Miller and Sallie Houey; special cousin-in-law, Patricia Maddox and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The funeral service for Mr. Smith will be private. A reception of friends and viewing will be held on Monday, June 1, 2020, at Shoal Creek Baptist Church from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM. Burial will take place at Shoal Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.