Nelson Gene (Smitty) Smith

Longtime Sutton resident Nelson Gene (Smitty) Smith, 81, died July 24, 2013, of a heart attack in a nursing home. Born July 3, 1932, in Halifax County, N.C., Nelson was the son of Carl and Millie Smith.

Smitty married his bride, Opal, in Los Angeles, where they lived for several years and he worked for Douglas Aircraft and the Pile Driver’s Union. In 1959, Smitty and Opal drove the Alaska Highway with their dog, Queenie, and homesteaded in the upper Matanuska Valley, then later settled in Sutton, where he went to work as a carpenter.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing pool and snowmachine riding. In his later years, he enjoyed watching television, particularly some games shows and boxing. He especially enjoyed visiting with his friends.

Surviving are sisters, Shirley Moseley of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., and Joyce Baker and husband Donald of Wythefield of Virginia; brother, Burchell Smith and wife Clara of Colerain, N.C.; and dear friends and longtime caregivers, Bob and Susan Gordon.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Opal; brothers, Frederick, Cecil, William and Ronald; and sister, Virginia Norres.

Arrangements were entrusted to Legacy Funeral Homes.

His ashes will be scattered in Alaska and North Carolina.