Kernersville – Joseph Kale Smith, 90, was called to the more immediate presence of his Savior on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Kernersville Medical Center. He was born August 17, 1924 in Forsyth Co. to the late John Lewis and Gertrude Kerner Smith. He was married to the late Norma Robbins Smith for 65 years. He was known affectionately to those who loved him as Joe Buh. Mr. Smith was a member of Kernersville Moravian Church where he sang in the choir, played in the band and served on numerous boards. He was a US Army 8th Infantry Division combat veteran of WWII. He served in the battle Normandy in Northern France/Rhineland. The 8th Infantry Division was recognized as a liberating unit by the US Army Center of Military History and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1988. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action in Germany. He returned to duty and later received 3 Bronze Service Stars, Meritorious Unit Award Service Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. Mr. Smith retired from AT&T in Winston Salem.
Surviving are his daughter, Deborah Manring and husband, Ronnie; three grandchildren, Gina Wagoner and husband, Marc, Shane Manring, Alana Underwood and husband, Jon; four great-grandchildren, Chad and Lori Wagoner, and Madison and Will Underwood; one sister, Florine Sykes; and an exceptionally devoted care giver, Shelley Stropparo and her dog, Bentley who provided him much joy as his canine companion. The family would like to thank the employees of Cagney’s Restaurant, for the abundant love and kindness they gave to Joe. A Funeral Service will be conducted at Kernersville Moravian Church Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2015 with Rev. John G. Rights officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Hayworth Miller Kernersville Chapel. Burial will follow in the church graveyard.
Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.
