Oliver Wilson Smith

Wilson Smith

Oliver Wilson Smith, age 92, has finished his race and joined his wife, Juanita Chapman Smith, in Heaven. He was born in Caldwell County on July 11, 1931 to the late Oliver Newton Smith and Mae Wilson Smith.

Wilson was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. He participated in the Inchon Landing and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He was a member of the National and U.S. Army chapters of the Chosin Few, as well as, the 31st Infantry Regiment Association. After his Army service, he went to work at Burke Mills in Valdese, NC where for 45 years he dyed for a living. In his spare time, he farmed with his father and nephew. Wilson was a life-long member of Dry Ponds Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Jewel Smith Powell and Theresa Smith Annas; granddaughter, Jacqueline Olivia Extine; and nephew, Randy Ramsey.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Karen Smith Allen and husband, Jeff; and Peggy Smith Messick and husband, Terry; his favorite granddaughter, Heather Extine Diaz and her partner, Tim Potter and their son, Mykiah; his favorite grandson, William E. Extine, Jr. and his wife Courtney and their daughter, Amanda; sisters, Pauline Smith Day and Maecile Smith Ramsey.  He will also be fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren,  church members, friends and neighbors.

A celebration of Wilson’s life will be held at Dry Ponds Baptist Church on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Rob Evans officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service in the church cemetery. Miliary Honors will be provided by Caldwell County Veteran's Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be: Neil Annas, Mark Annas, Tony Ramsey, David Powell and Jonathan Powell.

The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregivers, Jerry Hawn, Kathy Brady, Cathy Townsend, Debbie Williford and the staff at Amorem.