Francis Marion Smith passed away peacefully at his home Friday, April 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.  Although Francis always lived in Edgecombe County, he was born in Wilson County on September 12, 1935, and was the only child of Guy Arlington Smith and Lucy Pittman Smith.  He served in the Army before graduating from East Carolina College of Business in 1964, where he was recognized as one of the most outstanding accounting students in the nation upon completion of the CPA exam.

Francis was a CPA in Tarboro for 62 years and the CFO of Evans Metal Inc. in Wilson for 30 years. In 1968, he became a member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Tarboro, where he enjoyed singing in the choir and a men's quartet. He also enjoyed playing golf, dancing, Corvettes, and cheering on the University of North Carolina.

Francis never met a stranger, and his love for people was well-known. The door to his office was always swinging open with clients who became extended family seeking advice, laughter, or just a moment of his time. He was a doting and nurturing husband, father, and grandfather who considered his family the joy of his life.

Francis is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of 62 wonderful years, Patricia Meeks Smith, and his daughter Sherri Lutz (Mike), son Russell (Michelle), and four adored grandchildren, Joseph, Mary Frances, Lillyanne, and Savannah.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a very special aunt, Nellie Lewis.

The family will receive friends and family Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Tarboro from 1 PM until 2 PM with a Celebration of Francis's Life being held at 2 PM in the Church, officiated by Reverend Michael Bryan and Reverend Bruce Jones. The interment will follow the service in the Pinewood Memorial Park in Greenville on Tuesday, April 8th at 4:15 PM

The Smith family would like to extend their sincere and deepest appreciation to Jimmy Brown, all the caregivers, and everyone who has walked alongside them through Francis' journey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Francis' memory to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC  27834.