SMITH

CLEMMONS — Grayson Bennett Smith, 92, of 3830 Brookdale Drive, Clemmons, passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Born May 11, 1919, in Winston-Salem, he was the son of Albert Lee Smith and Mary Kuykendall Smith. G.B. Smith graduated from N.C. State University in 1944 with a B.S. degree in chemical and mechanical engineering. After working in California for Shell Oil Company as a petroleum engineer, G.B. moved back to North Carolina. He was employed by Western Electric & Bell Laboratories for 29 years. He also owned and operated Honda of High Point from 1963 until 1992. Engineering and design work was his passion. G.B. worked for the defense department through Western Electric & Bell Laboratories and enjoyed top secret military clearance; some of his inventions continue to be used to protect and defend our country. He was a past president of the American Society for Metals (ASM). Other interests included fishing, singing and golf. He was a charter member of the Hickory Hill Golf and Country Club (now known as the Lake Louise Club) where G.B. continued to play golf through 2012. In good overall health at age 92, he seldom missed an opportunity to play golf with his son and grandson. His family is saddened by the sudden loss of their loving father and grandfather. G.B. Smith is survived by three children, Nikki Walters (Jack) of Thomasville, Dr. G. Bennett Smith (Dr. Lyn) of Mount Airy and Ginny Proctor (Marty) of Wallburg; seven grandchildren, Dr. Rick Godwin (Karen), Jeanette McNamara (Matt), Adam Grayson Smith Walters (Emily), Joseph Walters, Scott Walters, Katie Walters and Shawn Hill; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Albert Lee Smith, James Smith and Clark Smith; a grandson, Chris Walters; and his loving wife of more than 60 years, Nell McCain Smith. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, at the home of his grandson, Dr. Rick Godwin, 111 Falcon’s Rest, Roxboro, NC.