Clyde "Gus" Howard Smith, Jr.

Clyde Howard “Gus” Smith, Jr., age 78 of Greensboro, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on August 4th with his family at his side. 

Gus was born November 6, 1945, in Siler City, NC to the late Clyde Howard Smith, Sr. and Dixie Langley Smith. Gus graduated from Jordan Matthews High School in 1964. He served four years in the Air Force earning the rank of Staff Sergeant and completed a tour of duty during the Vietnam War.

Upon returning from the war, Gus met Marygold Summerlin during a fated encounter at Monroe’s Drive-In in November of 1967. The two were destined to be together and married at College Place United Methodist Church on March 23, 1969. Gus went on to earn his Associate Degree in Applied Science from Central Carolina Technical Institute. The couple welcomed Bradley Todd in November of 1969 in Pittsboro, NC and later welcomed Leigh Heather in April of 1975 in Sanford, NC.

Gus began his acclaimed career as an engineer in data communications with AT&T (affectionately called “Ma Bell”) which later transitioned to Lucent Technologies. His work took him all over the world, from the Philippines and Saudi Arabi to Egypt, Japan, Netherlands, Hawaii, and all parts of Europe. His work culminated in being called out of retirement following the terrorist attacks on the Capital in 2001 where he served as a consultant to restore the Pentagon. His work was often classified, as he worked on miliary bases and it very often took him away from home, but he excelled beyond comprehension in his career. Gus’ career caused a few moves for the young family. They began in Pittsboro, NC then moved to Siler City, NC, Sanford, NC, Manassas, VA, Newton, NJ and finally home to Greensboro, NC. 

Gus loved his wife dearly and his children were his greatest accomplishment. He celebrated every milestone honor, graduation, promotion, engagement, and marriage. However, in March of 2007, a mere fifty-six minutes before he and Marygold’s 38th wedding anniversary tolled, his only granddaughter, Juleigh Paige Harris entered his world. From that moment until his last, she was his great love and his amazing pride and joy.

Gus was a multi-faceted person and one hard to nail down in words. He was brilliant, loyal, funny, stern, mischievous, stubborn, and generous. Gus was also a die-hard UNC Tarheels fan and loved watching them play. He was a man who earned all that he had and was proud of his family. He made Marygold always feel special and safe, seeing in her what she failed to see in herself. He traveled the world with work and with his family but was never pretentious. He was always the same small-town boy from Siler City, NC. He never forgot where he came from. 

Gus is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Howard Smith, Sr. and Dixie Marie Langley Smith as well as his sister-in-law Brenda Smith. He is survived by his adoring wife of fifty-five years, Marygold Summerlin Smith, son B. Todd Smith, MD and wife Dana of Wilson, NC and daughter Leigh S. Harris and husband Jim of Greensboro, NC. Also surviving is his ultimate love, his granddaughter Juleigh Paige Harris of Greensboro, NC. Gus’ three siblings also survive his death: Pam Brower, George D. “Pug” Smith and Debbie Champion, all of Siler City, NC.

Funeral services will be at West End Global Methodist Church, Monday, August 12th, 2024, at 11 AM. Visitation will be at the church an hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Siler City. Services will be officiated by Reverend Linda Yow. All other times will be at his mother’s home.

Memorials may be made to the West End Global Methodist Church, 1104 N. Chatham Ave., Siler City, NC 27344.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Smith family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com