Earl Malone Smith, 88, of Roanoke Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior, September 23rd, peacefully at home with his family at his side. 

Earl was well known for his transmission shop on Smith Church Road, Earl’s Auto Sales and Service. Many thought he was the best transmission man around.  He was in business since 1955 and well known by many for being an honest man.  

He is survived by his wife Mae T. Smith, his children, Jeanne Moore and husband Joe, Danny Smith and Debbie Stallings, his grandchildren, Chris and Leslie Stallings, Daniel and Renee Smith, Taylor and Jessica Moore.

Earl was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Mae Smith. They were married for 70 years. He was also a devoted father and grandfather; he loved his family and they loved him dearly. He was a very hard worker and an avid fisherman.  He used to take the family out for lake outings on weekends; then he bought a bass boat and developed a love of fishing.  He loved fishing but Mae didn’t cook fish.  He would catch loads of fish then come home and start calling friends to come pick them up. He would often have a driveway full.  He won many tournaments. He also liked to share his love of fishing by taking his son, Danny, and friends fishing with him. Danny continues to share his daddy’s love of fishing still.  

He also loved cutting up with and picking on friends.  He had a nickname for most of them.  He loved to talk and knew someone everywhere he went…going to the grocery store could take quite awhile if he ran into friends.  Even after retirement, he continued to go to the shop, as did several of his friends, to hang out and chat.  

Funeral services for Earl will be held at Wrenn Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 27, at 2:00 pm with Minister Daniel West Officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery.  The family would like to express their appreciation for the help provided by Hospice of Franklinton, NC, Amedisys and Wrenn Funeral Home.  

Online condolences can be made to: www.wrennclarkehagan.com