Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith

Pastor Wayne Smith
YORK – Donald Wayne Smith, 76, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Filbert, S.C., went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at Piedmont Medical Center, Rock Hill, S.C.
Wayne graduated from Clover High School in 1956, and after graduation, he entered the Marine Corp. He would later receive a degree from Bethany Bible College in Alabama and an honorary doctorate degree from Heritage Baptist College in Indiana.
Wayne entered the ministry at a young age and in 1969 became the founding pastor of Blessed Hope Baptist Church in York, S.C., which included such ministries as Blessed Hope Baptist School and Hope Tract Ministry. During his time as pastor, he served as chaplain of the York City Police Department where he also served as a reserve officer. In 2008, the Lord led him to found Bethel Baptist Church in Filbert, S.C., where he pastored until 2015. He was a faithful man of God.
Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Marlene S. Smith; three daughters; two sons; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother; and two sisters.
He was preceded in death by his precious daughter, Debbie Cruz; parents, Henry and Lily Smith; and brother, Bobby Smith.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, at Bethel Baptist Church in Filbert, S.C. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at Blessed Hope Baptist Church, York, S.C. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Pastor Smith’s name may be made to Hope Tract Ministry, P.O. Box 609, York, SC 29745.
Bratton Funeral Home, York, S.C., is serving the Smith family.