Retired MSG. Thomas Lee Smart US Army, 55, of Lillington passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2014. He was born in Sumter County, SC the son of the late James Allen Smart, II and Katie Elmore Smart. Lee served 28 years in the US Army before retiring. During his career with Special Forces, he served in Desert Storm and Afghanistan. Lee loved dove hunting, fishing and anything associated with the UNC Tar Heels. He was a friend to everyone and knew no strangers.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, March 31, 2014 at Friendship Baptist Church in Bunnlevel with Rev. Paul Fowler officiating. Burial will follow in Bunnlevel Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00-7:00 PM at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington and other times at the home of his mother.

Lee is survived by his mother, Katie Elmore Smart of Lillington; daughter, Katie Marie Smart of Morehead City; son, Gabriel Smart of Raleigh; grandson, Nathan Brown of Fayetteville; brothers, James Jim" Allen Smart, III and wife Susie of Tampa, FL and Paul E. Smart and wife Linda of Clayton; nieces and nephews and his dog, Lady.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, March 31, 2014 at Friendship Baptist Church in Bunnlevel with Rev. Paul Fowler officiating. Burial will follow in Bunnlevel Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00-7:00 PM at Oâ