Rommie "RC" Colombus Smith

Burlington- Rommie “RC” Colombus Smith, 78, passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at ARMC after a brief illness. 

Rommie was born in Rockingham County to the late Olen J. Smith and Josephine Perez Cooper, was raised in Puerto Rico and then moved to New York, where he met and married his childhood sweetheart, Carol Byalick Smith, who survives. 

Rommie loved hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors but he was well known for his ability to fix anything and his sense of humor.  He retired after many years as a master mechanic for Caterpillar.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and considered his neighbors family. 

He is survived by his wife of the home; Carol Smith, son; Dr. Richard Smith and wife, Michelle of Plantation, Florida, daughter; Dr. Tracy Smith Pennington and husband, Wes of Burlington, grandchildren; Hannah Nicole Perkins of Burlington, Luke Colton Perkins of Burlington, Nathaniel James Pennington of the US Navy, Jeremy Ryan Smith of Florida, Caroline Dare Pennington and Nicholas Bryce Pennington of Stuart, Va. , brothers; Isreal Velez Jr. and wife, Mariela of Winston Salem, Sandy Smith and wife Fran of Morganton, Georgia and Joey Forte and wife, Tina of Stockbridge, Georgia, sister-in-law; Fazia Velez of Fort Lauderdale, Florida as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brothers; Jimmy Olen Smith and wife, Judy and Henry Velez. 

A celebration of Rommie’s life will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Lowe Funeral Home. 

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to; Elon Elementary Garden and 4-H club” 720 Walker Rd. Elon, NC 27244 or the Elon Elementary Solar Panel Project  at https://donate.ncgreenpower.org/fundraiser/4017281