Irby Lee Smith

Irby Lee Smith, 79 of Orangeburg passed away Saturday, May 30, 2015 peacefully with his family by his side.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD 4:00 PM Monday, June 1, 2015 at First Southern Methodist Church; 2456 Broughton Street, Orangeburg with Rev. Joseph Hallman officiating with Military Honors directed by Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. in Orangeburg.

He was born October 1, 1935 in St. Matthews, SC; the son of the late Irby O'Neal Smith and the late Rosa Lee Smoak Smith. He graduated from St. Matthews High School. Mr. Irby served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He has been a member of First Southern Methodist Church since 1970. He was a past deacon; he was one of the "rocks of the church" giving tirelessly with its move to the new location. When the church doors were open Irby was there. He was retired from Quality Brokerage of Orangeburg. He was the widower of the late Essie Mae Bochette Smith after being married for 49 years. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gene Smith and an infant brother Julius O'Neil Smith.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law; Mr. & Mrs. Rodney (Sandy) Hardee of Cordova, SC; a son ; Barry O'Neal Smith of Orangeburg, SC; 2 grandchildren; Savanna Kittrell and Justin L. Kittrell; 2 sisters; Ella Gertrude Smoak of Texas and sister and brother-in law; Mr. & Mrs. Glen (Jane) Stilesof St. Matthews; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Mr. & Mrs. Billy (Debbie) Bochette of Cope; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

THE FAMILY REQUESTS THAT IN LIEU OF FLOWERS Memorials be made to First Southern Methodist Church; 2456 Broughton Street; Orangeburg, SC 29115 or to S.C. Strong; 2510 North Hobson Avenue; North Charleston, SC 29405 or to Grove Park Hospice; P.O. Box 701; Orangeburg, SC 29116.

Special Thanks to Gloria Carr and Ms. Shirley Johnson for the loving care of our Father, Brother and Christian Leader. Also special thanks to Grove Park Hospice for all of their love and support.