Our beloved Forrest Russell Smith, 91, transitioned peacefully to eternal life on Saturday, December 24, 2022.

Forrest was born on February 22, 1931, to the late Harvey and Treety Smith in Wake County, North Carolina. At 17 years old, Forrest continued his education, moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and graduated valedictorian from Carver High School . He later attended Russell's Commercial School and learned about business and entrepreneurship. While seeking to establish himself, he was introduced to the love of his life, the late Francina "Sister" Smith. On November 14, 1951, the two married in High Point, North Carolina, and enjoyed 68 years of marriage together. Shortly after the two married, Forrest was drafted to serve in the military and fought in the Korean War.   After serving for 3 years, he returned to the United States and the couple raised 9 children.

Forrest believed in hard work and provided 33 years of dedication to R.J. Reynolds after working as a supervisor for 33 years. He retired from R.J. Reynolds and worked an additional 54 years at Miller Park Complex as the maintenance manager. Forrest was a Christian man and became a faithful member of Agape Faith Church, where he loved and cherished praising the Lord.

Forrest enjoyed caring for his loving wife, learning, reading, and teaching others about the benefits of hard work. His presence made an impact on us all and will be missed dearly.

Forrest was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Treety Smith; brothers, Curtis Smith, Robert Smith, and Harvey "Jack" Smith; his sisters, Helen Brown, Teeny Badgett, Victoria Sanders, and Zelma Davis; his daughters, Meta Carolyn Gwyn, Jacqueline "Jackie" Sullivan, Eleanor Gail Hines, and Melanie "Lanie" Bush; and his grandson, Joshua McCree.

Forrest leaves to cherish his loving memory his children, Martinez Smith, LaVonne Smith, Dominique "Nikki" Gwyn, Cotisa (Chris) Brown, and Timothy (Natalie) Gwyn; 9 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home, 822 Carl Russell Avenue W-S, NC 27101.

Homegoing services will be held at 11:00am Friday, January 6, 2023 at Agape Faith Church, 2101 Lewisville-Clemmons Rd. Clemmons, NC 27012 with Pastor David Floyd officiating.  Entombment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens, 2730 Peters Creek Pkwy W-S, NC 27127 with full military honors.