VANDER — Henry Carter Smith, a lifelong resident of Old Vander, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, with his family by his side. Carter was born to Owen and Carrie Smith on Jan. 25, 1931. He graduated from Stedman High School in 1949, where he was a three sport letterman. He served four years in the Navy from 1951 to 1955. From 1966 to 1996, he worked for American Greetings Corporation, often winning national recognition for sales. He was a member of Judson Baptist Church for more than 50 years. Carter was a lifelong sports enthusiast and a dedicated supporter of young people through various activities. In the 1960's, he coached the Stedman Braves, a semi-pro baseball team. In the 1970's, he managed slo-pitch softball teams, winning a world championship in 1977. In the early 1980's, he founded Stedman American Legion Post 62, and managed American Legion baseball teams for 24 years. Carter also served on the Cumberland County Recreation Department Advisory Board as well as coached recreation football, basketball and baseball teams. Carter loved high school athletics, especially Cape Fear High School. He played a key role in fundraising and organizing numerous projects that included building the football field house, baseball press box and dugouts, and purchasing of athletic equipment. In addition, Carter was instrumental in lighting the high school baseball fields in Cumberland County. Carter passed to his sons and others a legacy of coaching and community involvement combined with love of the Lord and family. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at 11 a.m. in Judson Baptist Church with the Rev. Barry Byrd, the Rev. Randal Strickland and Mr. John McAllister officiating. The burial will follow in Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street. The family will receive friends today, Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jernigan Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Carter was preceded in death by a son, Henry Keith Smith. He is survived by his wife, Ursie S. Smith of the home; three sons, Duane Ashford Smith and wife Betty Jo of Vander, Wendell Smith and wife Julie of Vander, and Scott Smith and wife Melissa of Vander; five grandchildren, Justin Smith, Erika Brooke Smith, Drew Smith, Aaron Smith and Spencer Carter Smith; and sister, Vada Lee McCall of Vander. The family will receive friends Friday, February 3, 2012 from 5pm to 8pm at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home The funeral will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 11am in Judson Baptist Church Burial will follow in Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street