Russell Leslie Smith

Russell Leslie Smith 71, left his earthly burdens behind on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.  Despite his health struggles, Russell fought hard and stayed strong in his faith. 

After graduating from South Lenoir High School, Russell enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country for two years.  He then returned to the family farm where he spent many years farming.  As a gifted farmer, he was ready to get the next crop started.  For many years, tobacco was his favorite crop – especially the period from setting out to laying by.  Russell was honored by the Woodmen of the World as Farmer of the Year and won first place for the prettiest tobacco at the Lenoir County Fair.  Russell was a member of the Pleasant Hill Masonic Lodge and a member of the Lenoir County Shrine Club for 25 years.

Russell loved horses, old westerns, and trail riding with his friends.  He cherished his time with his family and friends and loved to host and cook for them.

Russell never met a stranger and there was always a good time to be had whenever he was around.  Above all, Russell was an extraordinary father and grandfather.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Helen Smith and a brother, Craig Smith.  Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Kay Smith, daughter Scarlett Tyndall (David), son Russ Smith (Bheng) and his very favorite grandchild, Heaven Lane Tyndall.  Russell also leaves behind sisters, Brenda Barron, Teresa Kennedy (Mike), and Amanda Scott, a nephew, Matthew Kennedy, and nieces Leslie Brooke Kennedy and Addison Scott. Russell was blessed to have many good friends who will also cherish their memories with him.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 1:00PM at Howard & Carter Funeral Home with the visitation immediately following.  The burial will be Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Jessie Howard Family Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sudan Shriners Children’s Hospital, PO Drawer 12829, New Bern, NC  28561 or Smith’s New Home Church,

PO Box 303, Deep Run, NC  28525. Arrangements entrusted to Howard-Carter Funeral Home, Kinston.