Obituary of Clarence Dupree Smith

HILLSBOROUGH, NC We celebrate the life of Clarence Dupree Smith who passed August 1, 2012, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Dupree was born August 3, 1922, in Orange County, N.C., the son of William Leonard Smith and Olive (Ollie) Phelina Miller Smith. He was a loving and devoted husband to his late wife, Mae Lassiter Smith, of 68 years. He is survived by their six children: Larry, Sherry Webster (Jerry), Angela Pridgen (Wade), Sylvia Whicker (Garry), Deryl (Sue) and Douglas (Brenda), 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and his brother Milton (B.J.). He was also preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Blake Smith, son of Deryl. Dupree graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1940. He volunteered to be a Naval aviator during WW II. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. His service in the South Pacific included numerous flight missions off the USS aircraft carriers Hornet, Intrepid, and Hancock. After surviving three airplane crashes, he received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, one for sinking an enemy destroyer and one for disabling an enemy cruiser. Dupree was decorated with several other commendations and medals for his heroic service. After returning from the War, he became a farmer on St. Mary's Road in Hillsborough. From 1969 to 1988 he owned and operated a dry cleaning business in Mebane. After retiring he devoted most of his time to family, church, and his Smith's Christmas Tree Farm. He was a lifelong member of New Sharon United Methodist Church, where he served as Superintendent, Sunday school teacher, lay speaker, youth director and historian. He served as chaplain in the American Legion and enjoyed presenting American flag programs to second graders and giving Bingo parties at the VA Hospital in Durham. He was Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and was active in the Grange at St. Mary's. He especially enjoyed attending grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting events and activities, with Mae by his side. Church services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 4, at New Sharon United Methodist Church. Reverend Jeff Nash will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Pall bearers will be his grandsons: Trae, Patrick, Michael, Jeffrey, Joey, Jeff, Matt and Jared. Dupree's legacy is his love for God, family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to New Sharon United Methodist Church, 1601 New Sharon Church Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278