matthew bynum smitherman
Matthew
Bynum Smitherman, 34, of Sealevel, NC went to be with our Lord on
Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Carteret Health Care of Morehead City. He
passed peacefully from the arms of his loving parents to go sit on
Jesus' lap. Matthew was born October 4, 1988, at Forsyth Hospital in
Winston-Salem, NC to Deanna and Bryce Smitherman, Jr. Matthew graduated
in 2007 from Forbush High School in East Bend, NC. He went on to Beyond
Academics for a two-year program at UNCG. Matthew loved the outdoors.
He enjoyed riding his four-wheeler, deer hunting, fishing, and playing
golf. Matthew represented NC in the International Special Olympics on
the golf team. He brought home the bronze medal. His favorite golf
partner was his great uncle, Larry Matthews, who certainly lived up to
that title for Matthew and their golf games. Matthew was an old soul
who really liked to visit and be surrounded by people. He loved hugs
and had a contagious smile like no other. He could light up a room with
his smile. He suffered from a rare disorder called Cockayne Syndrome.
It is a genetic disorder he was born with but wasn't diagnosed until
much later in his life. It really took its toll on him within the last
5 years. Matthew was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents,
Mollie and Bryce Smitherman; aunt, Janice Baity; and his service dog
and soulmate, Oreo. Matthew is survived by his parents, Deanna and
Bryce Smitherman, Jr. of Sealevel, NC; brother, Bryan (Ashley)
Smitherman of Durham, NC; sister, Rachel (Gino) Amato of Yadkinville,
NC; five nieces and nephews, Wyatt Smitherman, Yates Smitherman,
Mikenna Goodman, Jace Loman, and Alana Amato; maternal grandparents,
Sue and Dean Matthews of East Bend, NC; aunt, Emily (Eric) Hazen of
East Bend, NC; cousins, Oliver, Isaac, and Josey Hazen; uncle, James
(Karen) Smitherman and cousin, Jade; uncle, Charles (Denise) Smitherman
and cousins, Ashley Miller and Miranda Hines; and uncle, Steve Baity
and cousin, Rhonda Finney. Matthew also leaves behind his new service
puppy, Moe. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday,
December 17, 2022 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend, NC.
The family will receive friends after the service at the funeral home.
There will also be a memorial service in Sealevel, NC at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following:
Share and Care Cockayne Syndrome Network, Special Olympics of Forsyth
County, and Shady Grove UMC Cemetery Fund. Online condolences and life
tributes may be sent to the family at: www.gentryfuneralservice.com.Gentry Family Funeral Service
428 E. Main Street, East Bend, NC 27018
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Winston-Salem Journal on Dec. 14, 2022.