10/23/2026
Wayne "Smitty" Smith
A Life Remembered
Wayne Myron Smith, affectionately known as “Uncle Smitty,” was born on July 7, 1949, to the late Tessa M. Smith and Edgar Smith. He gained his wings on October 22, 2026, at the age of 77.
Uncle Smitty was employed by Gwaltney of Smithfield as a second-shift crew leader in the refrigeration department, where he retired in 2014. He enjoyed working on lawn mowers and w**d eaters, as well as working on the boilers at his job. Each year, he looked forward to planting a garden and watching it grow.
He also enjoyed playing his guitar and keyboard and was an Elvis impersonator. With Uncle Smitty around, the family had its very own Elvis! Most of all, he knew and loved the Lord.
Uncle Smitty enjoyed spending time with his new heart families, near and far. He loved hanging out at Margaret and Alvester’s house, affectionately calling Alvester “Festus.” He also enjoyed spending time with “Sugar Mama” Mary Bass and the late “Daddy” Bass, as well as visiting Lisa and Dale Cisco’s home.
He shared a special friendship for many years with Janice Baker, whom he met at Gwaltney and lovingly called “Sweetie Pie.” Gwaltney was also where he met his best friend and “Baby Girl,” Phyllis.
Whether he was tending his garden, making music, fixing something, or spending time with the people he loved, Uncle Smitty found joy in the things and relationships that mattered to him.
Uncle Smitty leaves to cherish his memory his “Baby,” his “Good Thang,” Phyllis M. Smith; and his heart bonus son, Demarco LaShawn Jackson, whom he loved dearly. They shared a bond that only death could separate.
He also leaves his son, Warren A. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee; his brother, Warren T. Smith (Lena) of Newport News, Virginia; and his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Person.
His memory will also be cherished by his loving and devoted sister-in-law, Lenora P. Jackson (“Chick”) of Petersburg, Virginia; his sisters-in-law, Stacey Everette and Eureka Rawlings of Franklin, Virginia, Sharon and Nancy Rawlings of Capitol Heights, Maryland, and Kristie Lundy of Chesapeake, Virginia; and his three brothers-in-law, Elvis Person (Keshia) of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Anthony Rawlings of Georgia, and Harvey Robinson (Latoya) of Georgia.
He leaves his honorary granddaughter, Angel Drummond of Smithfield; his special niece, Angeline Williams (Phillip) of Richmond, Virginia; and his loving heart grandmother, Roxie Young of Smithfield.
Uncle Smitty also leaves a host of heart aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
A Memorial Service will be held at11am on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Interment is private. Please keep the Smith family in your prayers.
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