David Smathers

David Joe Smathers, age 83, of Highland Park Community, died Monday, November 9, 2009 at his residence. A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Carey C. and Anna Dee Dotson Smathers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Smathers, who died in 1979. He was a 1950 graduate of NC State University with a degree in mechanical engineering and a former employee of Duke Power having worked with the Oconee nuclear plant in Seneca, SC. He retired from Dupont with 25 years of service. David attained the rank of Eagle Scout and remained interested in the Boy Scouts of America. David served as a World War II veteran of the United States Navy aboard the USS Maurice J. Manuel (DE-351), crossing the Atlantic four different times. He served a year in the South Pacific in the Philippine Islands and also time in Okinawa, Japan and Tokyo Bay until the war concluded. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Irene Russell Smathers; a sister, Dr. Pat Smathers Moulton of Decatur, GA; and a niece, Dr. Jan Mitchell Snyder of Augusta, GA. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2009 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Jesse Hollingsworth and Reverend Charles Dean officiating. Burial will follow at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery on Old Clyde Road. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Rescue Missionary Baptist Church, 845 Beaverdam Circle, c/o Ron Holcombe, Canton, NC 28716 or to one's favorite charity.

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