Ralph Wiley Smith, Sr.

Ralph Wiley Smith, Sr.

10/14/1936 – 4/28/2025

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the homecoming of Ralph Wiley Smith, Sr. age 88 of Kannapolis, NC who passed Monday, April 28th 2025 peacefully in his sleep at his home in Kannapolis.

Born in Cabarrus County to Harris Brown Smith and Elsie Lillian Rogers Smith on October 14th 1936. He attended W. R. Odell School. He married Verler Louise Miller on June 30th 1956.

Ralph worked as an auto body specialist. After retiring from Cloninger Ford-Toyota he worked restoring classic cars with his dear friend Tom Baker. Along with his son, Ralph Jr. his final restoration was a 51 Ford sedan.

Ralph never met a stranger and loved talking about his family, pets, classic cars and hunting. He enjoyed sightseeing in the Blueridge mountains and spending time at his cabin in Low Gap, NC. Ralph crafted several muzzle loader guns. He also enjoyed learning his family genealogy.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Harris Brown Smith his mother, Elsie Lillian Rogers Smith; his mother-in-law, Mable Parker; his sister, Hazel Smith Hamilton and his grandson, Steven Augustus Nabors.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 68 years, Verler Louise Smith, his son, Ralph Wiley Smith Jr. (Cindy) of Kannapolis; daughters, Linda Smith of Cornelius and Annette Smith Deese (Bill) of Kannapolis; grandchildren, Shelby Smith, Anne Glover, Jacob Post and Brandy Childers; great-grandchildren Alexis Smith Logan (Kayleb), Rosie Blomeley and Trinity Glover; great-great 5th generation grandchild Kaymen Lamar Wiley Logan and a host of family members; nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 15th 2025 at 4:00 pm officiated by Rev. Valerie Hicks at Bethpage Presbyterian Church 6020 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081. There will be a gathering in the church hall afterwards for light refreshments.

Whitley’s Funeral Home is serving the Smith family. Online condolences may be made at whitleysfuneralhome.com/obituaries

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to:

Bethpage Presbyterian Church 6020 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or bethpagechurch.org

Triangle Beagle Rescue at tribeagles.org

American Cancer Society at cancer.org