Wilbur Frasier Smith, Jr., of Union, beloved husband of June Jeter Smith, died on May 31, 2013, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Born Dec. 9, 1918, in Orangeburg, S.C., Mr. Smith was the son of the late Wilbur Frasier Smith Sr., and Blanche Edwins Smith. He graduated from The Citadel, held a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and did further graduate work at Florida State University. During World War II, Mr. Smith participated in both the European and Pacific Theaters, where he attained the rank of captain. He was a combat veteran, participating in two major landings and five major battles. After a career in business, he became a math teacher, an assistant principal, and the guidance director at Union High School. He served as Program Coordinator for the Title III Regional Office Education Development Center in Spartanburg. He continued his career as Director of Special Services and Adult Education in Anderson School District #5 before returning to Union as Superintendent, a position he held from 1971-1984. He served on the Winthrop Consortium of School Superintendents and was a member of the South Carolina Association of School Superintendents. Mr. Smith was appointed to two terms on the State Board of Education and as a member of the Governor’s Committee for Equalization of Educational Finance. A faithful member of Carlisle Methodist Church, he served as a trustee, board chairman, lay leader and taught Sunday School for many years. Among his honors were the SC Art Education Association Presidential Award and the Wilbur F. Smith Band Invitational contest at Union High School. Mr. Smith was a long-time member and former president of the Union Rotary Club and a Paul Harris fellow. He served on the Board of Directors of the Union County Chamber of Commerce and as Farm Bureau director. He was also a long-time member of the American Legion and the Union County Soil and Water Conservation. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 66 years, June Jeter Smith; a daughter, Susan Jeter Smith White (Thomas); a son, Wilbur Frasier Smith III (Carol); two grandsons, Ryan Frasier Smith (Abigail) and Martin Allen Smith (Laura Lee); three great-grandchildren; a sister, Loulie Smith Paul of Austin, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Martin Calhoun Smith. Visitation will be held at the Holcombe Funeral Home in Union from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2013. A graveside service will be conducted at the Jeter Cemetery in Santuck, Union County, by the Reverend Amy Shaver and Reverend Carl Harris on Monday, June 3, 2013, at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made in Mr. Smith’s memory to Carlisle Methodist Church (P.O. Box 35; Carlisle, SC 29031), the University of South Carolina at Union Scholarship Fund, Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, or to a charity of one’s choice. Tags: 1939
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