Henry Albert Smith

Henry passed away peacefully at hospice in Asheville, North Carolina in the early hours of August 4, 2023. He was born in Danville, Virginia in 1947 to Roland Smith and Willie Lee Smith. As a young boy, the family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where he grew up in the St. Thomas Street public housing projects. After graduating high school, Henry volunteered for the United States Army and served for 3 years, including 2 years overseas in the Panama Canal Zone, until he was honorably discharged in 1968.

Henry then attended college on the G.I. Bill and obtained an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans and a master’s degree in social work from Tulane University. Henry moved to Southwest Virginia and worked at Cumberland Mountain Community Services for more than 20 years as the director of mental health services. In 1991, Henry married his wife Jane Peay. Henry and Jane were inseparable until he passed away, spending every day together even while he was working hard to recover from a surgery and stroke prior to his death. After retiring, Henry and Jane moved to the Lakeview Park neighborhood of Asheville and made many new friends there.

Henry was a builder and outdoorsman. He built several homes and always had another project in mind. He loved working on his farm and riding horses throughout the mountains of Virginia or hiking the Blue Ridge around Asheville. Henry was also a skilled artist, enjoying woodworking and making stained glass creations with his wife.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, his dog Odin, and his horse Scout. He is survived by his wife Jane, brother Ray, sons Harry and James, their wives Julie and Rachael, grandson Kelly, and many other friends and family members. He will be remembered by all. A memorial will be held on August 26, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Asheville Area Alternative Funeral Home.

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