Mr. Solomon Smith

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

     Solomon Rudolph Smith Jr. was born on August 31, 1949. He was the son of Solomon JW Smith and Rebecca Smith who preceded him in death. He received his heavenly wings on August 31, 2022, at Columbus County Hospital Whiteville NC where he was a short-term resident of Liberty Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Whiteville, NC.

     He graduated from Mt. Olive High School in 1968 and had lifelong classmates. He continued his education at Southeastern Community College, Whiteville NC. He was the happiest when he was driving and talking to people. He always had big dreams and did not mind sharing them. You could always count on him to make you laugh and was a joy to be around. Rudolph learned how to drive at an early age and was the happiest when he was under someone’s wheel. He drove the school bus at Mt. Olive High School, vans for several of the churches he attended and had his own transportation service. He joined Minter’s Chapel First Born Church in Boardman, NC and accepted Christ at an early age. He had an infectious laugh and always smiled. He did not meet any strangers and always had a gentle heart. He grew up with his siblings on the farm and was a hard worker. He left the farm and was the first to leave home to venture to the big city of Baltimore MD. where he resided for most of his adult life.  

     In Baltimore, Rudolph met his wife, Ruby Smith who was the love of his life. From this union they were blessed with two children Kimberly Smith and Darius Smith. While residing in Baltimore he worked for several companies including General Electric and Homewood Suites. He joined Greater Bethlehem Temple (GBT) where he served as a deacon, a driver and armor barrier. He was a dedicated and faithful member and continued to serve until he moved back to North Carolina in 2002. In 1985, Rudolph and Ruby decided to open a daycare center so that Kim would not have to attend an after-daycare school. The daycare grew and served many families in the community which lead to a lot of adopted children. He loved to take care of children and always made sure they had fun.

     After the death of his wife Ruby, he decided to move back to NC in 2002 where he retired. Solomon remarried Genevie McKeithan who also preceded him in death on February 26, 2021. Solomon and Genevie attended Minter’s Chapel First Born church where he served as a deacon for many years. He then went on to join and attended Faith Tabernacle Christian Center in St. Paul’s, NC. Rudolph loved the Lord and did not mind telling you.

     He leaves to mourn his children Kimberly Smith Holifield, Darius Smith. His Grandchildren Nala Smith, Destiny Fitzgerald, and Jeremiah Fitzgerald of Baltimore, MD and great grandson, Logan Carter, Baltimore, MD. Three lovely sisters: Iris Smith Redhead (Charles) Washington, DC, Camella Diane Smith, Washington, DC, and Charlotte Smith Hempstead (Dennis), Lumberton, NC; His brothers: Ralph L. Hall Washington, DC and George (Cowboy) Smith and Martin Fitzgerald Smith, Lumberton, NC, and Aunts: Sadie Williams and Floria Thompson of Baltimore, MD, and Sheila Stephens, Woodland Hills, CA; Uncles: John Henry Stephens, Jr., Las Vegas, NV, William Dan Stephens, Woodland Hills, CA and Sherman Thompson, Baltimore, MD. 2 sisters-in-law, Corene Hall and Glenda Lynch. He had a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends. 

     Some of the things we will always remember about Rudolph was his beautiful smile, his contagious laugh, and always saying “that’s right”. He also loved to say, “Don’t wake me up because I am trying to get my beauty rest; Jesus woke me up this morning and not man and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

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