Bernice William Smith, Jr.

DURHAM Bernice William Smith, Jr. passed away at the Duke Medicine Pavilion on Monday, November 24, 2014, following years of declining health. Bernice was born on January 3, 1950 in Durham and remained a Durham resident his entire life. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernice (Dirty) William Smith, Sr. and Lucille Bullock Smith. His late maternal grandparents were Purvis and Rosalind Bullock from Creedmoor. His late paternal grandparents were John and Maude Smith of Durham.

Bernice graduated from Southern High School in 1967 where he was a member of the baseball team. Following graduation he worked as a truck driver for Johnson Motor Lines. In 1976 he married, and in the following years had two daughters, Michelle and Jennifer. After the close of Johnson Motor Lines he held various positions until his health began to fail. One of these positions was as a househusband, and he did an excellent job caring for his preschool daughters. As his daughters grew up, Bernice’s best memories were made attending their high school and college graduations, moving them into dorms, presenting them as debutantes, and escorting them down the aisle for their weddings. He enjoyed being present for the birth of his grandchildren and being a grandfather whenever he was with them. Bernice was also a member of American Legion Post 7 on Trinity Avenue in Durham.

Bernice is survived by his daughter Jennifer Clement, her husband Kit, and their children, Katelyn and Taylor; his daughter Michelle White, her husband Philip, and their children, Logan, Paedon, and Mason; his brother, Steven Lee Smith; his niece, Robbie Lee Smith; his aunts, Jeane Bullock Ray and Marion (Butch) Bullock Henry; and many cousins.

Graveside services will be held Friday, November 28, 2014 at 2 pm at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens. Rev. Johnny Hewett will officiate. Active pallbearers will be Andrew Hungate, Chad Jackson, Curtis Pearce, Chris Dennis, Randy Roberts, and Wayne Bailey. John Goodfellow and Darrell Pitts will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior from 12:30 to 1:30 at Hudson Funeral Home. Flowers are acceptable. Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com.