James "Pete" Smith

Mr. James “Pete” Smith, 94, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born in Surry County, North Carolina on September 16, 1931, to the late William Martin Smith, Sr. and Halley Parker Smith. Pete was the youngest of 3 boys. Growing up on a farm in rural Surry County allowed him to learn many things that would help him as he went to N.C. State before joining the Air Force in 1952 during the Korean Conflict. While stationed in Denver, Colorado he met and married the love of his life, Beth. Once Pete was discharged from the Air Force, they made their way to Greensboro where Pete finished his degree at Guilford College. Upon graduation he went to work for McLean Trucking Company where he rose through the ranks becoming an Executive Sales Regional Manager. After his retirement Pete kept busy at Renfro Corporation in Mt. Airy, North Carolina as well as Work Force Carolina. He enjoyed gardening, the beach, his grandchildren and his dogs. Pete remained active in his community by serving on the board of his neighborhood homeowners’ association for multiple terms. Pete was always ready to lend a hand and could fix just about anything. As the son of a finished carpenter, Pete had an extraordinary attention to detail.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Claribeth Smith and two brothers, Kyle Smith (Margaret) and William Martin Smith, Jr. (Dorothy). Surviving is a daughter, Kathy Sides (Rod); three grandchildren, Matthew Sides (special friend, Veronica Wallace), Merideth Sides, and Eli Sides (fiancé, Tess Nouchi); nephew, William “Bill” Smith, III and two nieces, Debbie Smith and Kimberly Saghy (Mike). A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or to Salem Chapel, 124 Myers Drive, Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030