Webb Smathers, Sr.

"In Loving Memory" Canton – Webb Morrow Smathers, age 92, of Murray Rd, Canton died November 25th, 2015 at Silver Bluff Village. A lifelong resident of Haywood County, he is survived by his wife, Maxine Long Smathers of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Webb M. Smathers, Jr., and Dr. Diane G. Smathers of Westminster, S.C.; a granddaughter, Tiffany S. Cowden and her husband, Richard Bryan Cowden, Jr., of Fairplay, S.C. Other survivors include: two sisters, Mary S. Cook of Asheville and Ruby S. McKinney and her husband, Raymond McKinney of Enka; six nieces and nephews; eight great nieces and nephews; and six great, great nieces and nephews. Mr. Smathers was preceded in death by his parents, Attorney Charles C. Smathers and Ruby Belle Webb Smathers as well as a sister, Catherine S. Trull. In civilian life, he was a mechanic and used car dealer. He also worked in several textile mills and drove a jitney for American Enka before retirement. After retirement, he enjoyed deer hunting with his son and spending time with his granddaughter. He also enjoyed taking his wife to quilt making classes and often helped cut fabric for her projects. Together, they made dozens of beautiful quilts for family and friends. Mr. Smathers served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps, 703rd Bomb Squadron during WWII where he was a staff sergeant and waist gunner on a B-24. He flew 35 missions over Europe including the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe often under heavy fire. He received several decorations and citations including the 4 Oak Leaf Clusters and five Bronze Stars. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 29, 2015 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend David Russell officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VFW Post 5202, 216 Miller Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 or to American Legion Post 61, P.O. Box 1321, Canton, NC 28716.

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