Donald "Gumbo" Smart

Donald “Gumbo” Smart, age 77, of Forest City, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at his home.

Donald was born Tuesday, August 27, 1946 in Rutherford County to the late Edgar Alonzo Smart, Jr. and Eula Mae Greene Smart. He was a graduate of Chase High School, class of 1965. Donald was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served honorably during the Vietnam War. He worked as a truck driver for Bradley Trucking for many years. Donald was a member of the Rutherford County Moose Lodge #2422 where he faithfully served as the Administrator. He was also a member of Cliffside Baptist Church. Donald enjoyed playing cards, shooting pool and going on family camping trips.   

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Smart Ray.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Donna Smart of Forest City; sisters, Linda Smart Bridges (Earl) of Rock Hill, SC and Sheila Tolley (Gene) of Forest City; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Smart of Georgia; a brother-in-law, Bob Ray of Simpsonville, SC and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 pm on Saturday, May 4^th at Cliffside Baptist Church with Reverend Mike Elgin and Reverend Chris Pitts. A burial with military honors will follow at Cliffside Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church on Saturday.

 Memorial donations are requested to Cliffside Baptist Church, PO Box 336, Cliffside, NC   28024.