Marcus Carroll Smith, 72, of Hudson, passed away in the early morning of May 24th, 2023 at his home. Marcus has been in declining health for the past 15 years due to the relentless and severe side effect of agent orange when he served in the Vietnam war.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five of his siblings; Plez “Butch” Smith, Minnie Bell Bowman, Lovie Reid, Dimple Haas, and Jearl Henry Smith.
Those left to cherish him include his wife of 40 years, Trudy Smith of Hudson; children,Brian and Jennifer Smith of Greensboro, Steven Smith of Portland Tennessee, Tammy and Mark Killian of Claremont, Donald Sigmon of Claremont, and his bonus child John Kaneer of Claremont; grandchildren, Justus and Lily Smith of Hudson, Abigail Smith of Hudson, Georgia-Anne of Portland Tennessee, Caitlyn Killian of Sherrills Ford, and Courtney Killian and Horacio Reyes of Conover; siblings, Nadine Day of Granite Falls and Shirley Smith of Hickory.
Marcus impacted so many lives around him in the nearly 73 years he was on Earth with us. He was born on September 26th, 1950 to the late Plez Franklin and Lonnia Winkler Smith. He served both the Marines and National Guard where he met so many veterans who embraced him like a brother. Later he became a member of the American Legion and VFW. Marcus had a strong passion for tractors especially his 1954 John Deer Tractor which is one of his most prized possessions. Marcus came from a huge family which then later in his life grew into an enormous family. Mark was a supportive husband to his wife Trudy, a loving father to his children Brian and Jennifer , Stevan, Tammy and Mark, Donnie, and John. One of the sweetest chapters of Marcus’ life was being a grandfather to five and their significant others; Justus and Lily, Abby, Georgia-Anne, Caitlyn, and Courtney and Horacio. He was very involved in many of his grandchildren’s life and has made life long memories with his entire family. He was so very proud of his family and legacy he created as he impacted all of their lives in a variety of ways. Mark’s personality could make anyone laugh or smile with his sense of humor. He always would keep up a conversation with all, even a stranger! Marcus’ life will still live on this world through his loved ones and friends.
The family will receive friends Sunday, May 28, 2023 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at Mackie Funeral Service with military honors presented by the United States Marine Corps and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard starting at 2:30PM.
I didn’t know Mark very well, but I do know that he was a loving and devoted grandfather to two of our shared grandchildren – Caitie and Courtney Killian; especially because he introduced Courtney to his love of tractors which has provided her many warm, happy, and giggling memories to carry forward of riding along with him on his big green John Deere. I also appreciate his love for Trudy’s daughter – my sweet daughter-in-law Tammy, as well as his camaraderie with her husband my son Mark Killian. Marcus will be remembered well and missed by many.
I am also thankful for his service in the Marines and the National Guard. It is a willing and great sacrifice for all those who serve and defend us and our country.
Trudy, I’m truly sorry. You will continue to be in my prayers. May God keep His loving arms around you as you go through this loss in your life. Hugs and love.
Oh, what a beautiful person he was ! Never, met a stranger! Always a Smile coming from him! Yes , he loved his tractor. Mark and my brother Henry was always working on something! That was a big family! On Sundays at Aunt Loan and Plez’s we had home cooking and fun! Trudy and Family my deepest Condolences and Blessing’s!!