Melvin Smith Butts passed away peacefully in his home on February 13, 2010 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. After being diagnosed six years ago, he fought hard to maintain his involvement with family and community and most importantly with his church. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, neighbors and even strangers kept Smith lifted up and gave him strength to keep going.

Smith graduated from Lillington High School in 1962 and remained in close contact with most of his classmates. They visited and called him during his years of illness and a day spent with them was always a good day. Smith retired from the United States Postal Service after serving as Postmaster in Cameron and Bunnlevel. He made many lasting friendships and was proud of his service.

After being a member of Neill's Creek Baptist Church for many years, Smith and his family moved their membership to Flat Branch Presbyterian Church. This church family became even more important to Smith after he got sick. When he was at his lowest points, a church member or pastor would show up to give him the encouragement he needed to keep fighting. Churches throughout Harnett County would hear that Smith was going through a bad time and the prayer lines went into effect immediately. This always brought comfort to Smith but was very humbling for him because he just couldn't believe that so many people would stop what they were doing to pray for him. If you knew Smith, you loved him and he will be missed by his family and friends. His family would like to thank each person who has ever called his name in prayer and showered us with your never ending love and support.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Smith Butts in March, 1994 and most recently by his father, Melvin Butts in October, 2009.

Funeral service will be conducted 2:00 pm Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Flat Branch Presbyterian Church with Rev. David Perry and Rev. Bertrand Pitchford officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 - 8:00 pm Monday at the funeral home, other times at his home.

Memorials may be made to Flat Branch Presbyterian Church,130 Darroch Road,Bunnlevel, NC 28323

Smith was survived by his wife of 40 years, Hilda Bain Butts; Daughters, Melanie B.Taylor and her husband John of Bunnlevel; Carla Butts also of Bunnlevel; Aunt, Eloise Bonds of Benson

The family will be using Jeffrey's Florist
910 891 7000