Alton Earl Smith, Jr.

Alton Earl Smith, Jr., 86 of Hope Mills passed away May 29, 2024.
Born in Cumberland County he is the son of the late Alton Earl Smith, Sr.
and Mary Elizabeth Garner Smith. He was also preceded in death by his
wife, Grace Strickland Smith; 2 sons, infant Michael Earl Smith and Alton
Earl Smith, lll.
He is survived by his daughter, Rose Kennedy & husband David;
grandchildren, David Ryan Kennedy and Paige Kennedy Smart & husband,
Donald; great grandchildren, Daxton Smart and Parker Smart; sisters, Lucy
Smith Martin and Faye Smith Maxwell; and many nieces & nephews.
Earl was a dairy and row crop farmer who received numerous accolades in
the agriculture industry for production and innovation. He was the lead
salesman for Long Manufacturing, selling farm machinery and servicing
equipment throughout the state. Earl also served as past president of the
Cumberland County Community Farm Bureau Association, served on the
Cumberland County School Board, Grays Creek Ruritan Club,
superintendent of Green Springs Baptist Church and was a founding
member of Grays Creek Fire Station #18. He was inducted into the
Cumberland County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2021.
Longtime passions of his were aviation and vintage automobiles. As a
private pilot he flew an American Champion Citabria and singlehandedly
built and flew a Pitts Special aerobatic biplane. He restored and rebuilt
several Model A and T automobiles. He also spent countless hours running
his portable sawmill which produced lumber for his many projects.
Earl was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed by his
family and friends.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.