Paul Edward Smith Sr.

Paul Edward Smith Sr.,65, of Gastonia, passed away on December 12, 2016 at his home.

He was born March 3, 1951, in in Anderson, SC, son of Ruby Nell Coffee Smith and the late Ralph Edward Smith.

Mr. Smith was a US Navy Veteran, who was a Navy boxer earning the status as a Fleet Heavy Weight Champion.

Paul had retired from the Gaston County Sherriff's Office.

He loved his family and was deeply devoted to each of them.

He enjoyed woodworking and was an Eagle Scout and had the honor of The Order of the Arrow and Round Table.

A funeral service will be held 3:00 pm Thursday, December 15, 2016, at Fraley Memorial Baptist Church 3025 Fraley Church Road Gastonia, officiated by the Rev. Charles Keller, Dr. Warner Doles and the Rev. Eddie Duncan.

The family will receive friends 1:30 – 2:45 pm at the church on Thursday.

Interment will be at Westview Gardens, Bessemer City, with military honors provided by the US Navy and Gaston County Sherriff's Office Honor Guard.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Smith is survived by his loving wife of over 45 years, Nancy Duncan Smith; sons, Paul Edward Smith Jr. and wife Celeste, David Lee Smith and wife Heather Beth; grandchildren, Adam, Kayla, Aaron, Mikayla, and Sawyer Smith.

In addition to his father he was preceded in death by brother, David Ernest Smith.

Arrangements are with the West Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.