Jesse Smith, Jr.

Mr. Jesse Sanford Smith, Jr. age 70 of Thomasville, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022 at High Point Regional Hospital.  He was born October 16, 1951 in Forsyth County to Jesse Sanford Smith, Sr. and Lillian Thomas Smith.  Mr. Smith had retired from Furnitureland South.  At a very early age, Jesse learned to play guitar, along with his brother, Carl, from his greatest influencer, his Dad.  Jesse played with many local bands in North Carolina and in Florida, where he resided for 25 years before returning to North Carolina.  He loved all types of music and strived for perfection in every song he played.  Jesse loved traveling to his favorite destinations on Caribbean cruises, Florida, Las Vegas and Gatlinburg with his favorite traveling partners, his mother, sister and a special life-long friend from Florida, Rick Rainaldi, whom he visited several times a year.  He loved life and cherished his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him for his great musical talent, sense of humor, and loyal and honest friendship.  He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Lillian Thomas Smith.  He is survived by his son, Mark Smith (Tina) of Burlington; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; his father, Jesse Sanford Smith, Sr.; brother, Carl W. Smith (Darlene); sister, Linda Smith Clark (Gerald); a very special cousin, Greg Butcher (Terri).  A special thank you to his wonderful friends, Rick and Georgette Rainaldi, Diane and Jerry Oren, and Mitch and Starlet Gibson for filling his life with love, friendship and great times.   A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel by Pastor Roy Cantrell.  Burial will follow in Wallburg Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com