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EURE, NC – Lannie Eugene “L.E.” Smith, Jr., 85, of Eure, NC, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023.

Mr. Smith was born in Gates County on May 21, 1937, and was the son of the late Lannie Eugene, Sr. and Odessa Lee Lilley Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ernestine Smith Morris; his brother, Thomas Lloyd Smith; and his son-in-law, Tommy Mise.

Following graduation from Gatesville High School, Class of 1955, he worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and retired after nearly 40 years of employment. An avid traveler, he and his wife had visited all 50 states and many other countries. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and working on the farm raising cattle and horses.

A life-long and faithful member of Eure Christian Church, he had served on the Board of Deacons, the Board of Trustees, and in the Adult Choir, often singing solos. Community involvement included his work with the Meals on Wheels Program where for over 30 years he delivered meals and assisted in coordinating the route schedule, his 12 years of service on the NC Senior Tarheel Legislative Committee, and his charter membership in the Gates County Lions Club where he remained active until his death.

Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Mary Ella Bass Smith, and their daughters, Deborah Mise Jordan (husband, Linwood) of Eure and Karen Smith Bagley (husband, Cecil) of Sunbury; six grandchildren, Heather Boyce (husband, Jack) and Brittany Parker (husband, Eric), both of Eure, C.J. Bagley (wife, Kiri) of Winston-Salem, Morgan Spence (husband, Damien) of Sunbury, Lee Jordan (wife, Meranda) of Corapeake, and Holly Dickerson (husband, Michael) of Raleigh; and six great-grandchildren, Will, Connor, Anna Beth, Ella, Van, and Raelynn. Also surviving is a niece, Anna Cross of Portsmouth, VA; and nephews, Larry Morris (wife, Barbara) of Suffolk, and T.L. Smith (wife, Gina) of Oak Island.

A graveside service was held Monday, January 16th at 11:00 a.m. on the family plot at Eure Christian Church and was conducted by his pastor, The Rev. Wade Bennett.

Memorial contributions may be made to Eure Christian Church, 872 NC Highway 137, Eure, NC 27935.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Albemarle Home Care & Hospice and to Brookdale of Elizabeth City for the care and comfort given to their parents during his period of declining health.

Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.