WADESBORO – Hope. Inspiration. Legacy.
These words were repeated throughout last week's ceremony to honor Harold C. Smith, a former Anson County commissioner, civic leader and businessman.
Motorists can now see “Harold C. Smith Highway" signs along 2.5 miles of U.S. 52/Salisbury Street. A replica sign was unveiled at the ceremony by members of the Smith family surrounded by loved ones, friends and former colleagues.
The 81-year-old is well known for establishing Smith's Funeral Home, formerly Hailey & Hargett Funeral Home, in 1967. He operated the funeral home with his late wife while teaching their only child, Evadne Kay Smith, about the aspects of the business. The original facility burned down in 1980, but the family remained resolute and rebuilt. Now, Evadne continues the family legacy of serving the community with grace and compassion while training her own children to operate the funeral home in the future.
Wadesboro Mayor Fred Davis thanked Smith for “the love and generosity you have given us for over fifty years." Other speakers and guests echoed those words throughout the ceremony.
Smith also served more than two decades on the Anson County Board of Commissioners. Anson County Board of Elections chair Ross Streater also reflected, “I've been knowing Harold for fifty years. We served on the Board of Commissioners for over thirty years. I cannot think of another person more deserving of this honor."
Though he was in a wheelchair, Smith rose from it several times to shake hands, hug, and thank people who attended today's event. Smith's daughter, Evadne Kay Smith, never saw something like this happening.
“Five-year-old Evadne would have never imagined this day. Ten-year-old Evadne would have never imagined today. Fifty-five-year-old Evadne is so grateful and thankful."
Other speakers included Reverend Michael McLeod of the Pee Dee and Elizabeth Baptist Churches; Lindsay Reusser, Regional Director for U.S. Senator Ted Budd; Anson County Commissioner Joshua Ellerbe, Sr.