Harold Dean Smith

Harold Dean Smith, 95, of Cullowhee, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025. He was the son of John Wood Smith and Juanita Wilson Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Bryson and two sisters, Ola Belle York and Shirley Ann Daniel.

He is survived by his three children; Janice (Fred) Harris, Greg Smith and Scotty Smith; three grandchildren, Dean Smith, Angie (Mike) Austin and Pam (David) Shuler; three great grandchildren, Clay (India) Austin, Yasi (John) Gosnell, and Mia Austin; two great grandchildren, Rhett and Mac Gosnell; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A native of Cullowhee, NC, he left home at an early age to join the Army Air Force and served from 1947-1951. He then worked in the Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia for two years. Whereupon he reenlisted in the Air Force, where he served from 1953-1971. His duties in the Air Force consisted of photographing terrain all over the world and then deciphering those photos. He was a member of a Hound Dog Missile squadron and attended many yearly reunions in Warner Robins, Georgia. He was in SAC Intelligence training in Denver, Colorado, and went into Intelligence in Omaha, Nebraska. He flew all over the world until he married his wife, Shirley Bryson, and they started their family. He was then stationed in Aurora, Colorado, Salina, Kansas, Warner Robins, Georgia, Caribou, Maine, and Omaha, Nebraska, eventually returning to his home in Cullowhee. Upon retirement from the military he worked in the Physical Plant Boiler Room at Western Carolina University, and then as an independent mail carrier for the Post Office in Cullowhee. He participated in the Veteran's Day Honor flight Upstate South Carolina sponsored by Asheville cardiologist Dr. Van Tassell in 2015. He was awarded a Quilt of Valor from the Smoky Mountain Quilter's Guild and Jackson County Veteran's Office in 2023.

He was a member of Cullowhee Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, breeding Westies, reading, hunting, fishing, golf, and hiking the mountains. He loved the outdoors and his last hike was up Buck Knob, which he did every year, when he was 80 years old. He was extremely knowledgeable about nature, birds, trees, and all wildlife. He loved serving his country and was a true man of the mountains.

He was not a big talker but when he did he was quick witted and laughed hardest at himself. He was not as devoted as his wife was to the Atlanta Braves and North Carolina Tarheels, but he was still a huge fan. His love, support, wisdom, and humor will be dearly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Speedwell Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Powell officiating. Burial will follow in the Robert Rogers Cemetery in Cullowhee. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

The family would like to thank the staff of Four Seasons Hospice, especially Dr. Amy Hinton and his nurses. A special thanks to Marie Conner and Gina Goembel for their loving care.

Appalachian Funeral Services is assisting the family with arrangements.