Steven L. Smith, 56

GASTONIA — Steven L. Smith, 56, of Gastonia passed away Friday, April 12, 2013, at CaraMont Regional Health Center in Gastonia after an extended illness.

He was born in Catawba County, had lived in Henderson County for most of his life and resided in Gastonia since 2009.

He was the son of the late Chris Robert Smith Sr. and Edna Pearl Parker Smith.

He was a US Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam War.

He is survived by his wife, Tracey B. Smith of Gastonia; daughters, Christian Smith McCannon and husband George of Panama City, Fla., Elisha Smith of Louisiana, Hayley Roseberry of Gastonia and Hannah Runyon of Gastonia; son, James R. Smith and wife Joy of Asheville; brother, Chris R. Smith Jr. and wife Helen of Hendersonville; sisters, Teresa Parker Underwood and husband Mike of Clyde, and Jeannie Parker Leary and husband Charles of Asheville; and many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2013, at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain with Rev. Craig Garren officiating. Steven will be honored with military rites. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Jackson Funeral Service.

Flowers are nice or donations may be made to the Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to Po Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.