Junior Colon Smith, 89, of Lillington, died Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington, NC.

Junior was born January 26, 1934 in Chatham County to the late Mallie Colon Smith and Ola Gilchrist Smith.  He was a lifelong farmer and was a civil service employee with the Fish and Wildlife Division at Fort Bragg, retiring with over 32 years of service.  Junior was a member of Antioch Baptist Church where he was a Deacon Emeritus.  He received the Man of the Year Award and the Inspiration Award from the Antioch Baptist Men.  Junior was awarded Farmer of the Year at an early age.

He was preceded in death by his seven siblings.

Junior is survived by his wife of 68 years, Doris Hester Smith; daughter, Cramer Smith Walker and husband Jeffrey; grandson, Chad Walker and wife, Ashley; and great granddaughters, Stella Marie and Reese Caroline (due in August).

A funeral service will be held 2pm Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Antioch Baptist Church, 6670 Old US 421, Lillington, NC 27546, with Rev. Rick Beacham and Rev. Connie Arnold officiating.  Entombment will follow the service at Westview Cemetery Mausoleum.  The family will receive friends 1pm – 2pm prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Antioch Baptist Men, P.O. Box 525, Mamers, NC 27552.

Arrangements by O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home & Crematory, Lillington. Online condolences at http://www.oppfh.com.