Ed Smith, like so many local boys who came to Atlantic Christian in the 40’s, had his college days interrupted by World War II. Smith came to A.C. from his home in Micro in 1940, but it was 1947 when Smith graduated. He was also Athlete of the Year in ’47.
Smith served in the U.S. Army from 1943-46, and was involved in the pacific fighting in New Guinea. When he returned to A.C., he had far from lost his touch both on the baseball field and the basketball court.
Smith played for Bill Herring in both sports prior to the war, and for M.J. Bird in both sports following the war. Smith went to work for Bird at M.J. Sporting Goods upon graduation, and has been in that business ever since. Smith worked 20 years at Joyner’s Athletic House in Rocky Mount before moving to his current position with Bonds-Hodges Sporting Goods in Greenville.
Smith’s son, Ernie, 20, is an A.C. student and currently works for Mrs. M. J. Bird at Em-Jay. Smith and his wife, the former Lenore Phillips, also have three daughters; Gail, Lucinda Pollock and Joanna Carraway. The Carraways have supplied two grandchildren, Kevin and Courtney. Smith is the son of Madie and the late Harvey Smith of Micro.
