Cecil Smith, 74, of Franklin, NC, formerly of Greenwood, SC, passed away February 21st after a courageous battle with cancer. Cecil played high school football with the Elberton Blue Devils and received a scholarship to attend Western Carolina University. He played guard for WCU and kicked the first field goal in WCU�s history. After college he joined the U. S. Army, working in Special Services in Germany, recruiting and playing football throughout Europe. After serving three years, he began his civilian profession in the data processing area serving St. Joseph Hospital in Ashville, NC, Richland Memorial in Columbia, SC and Lincolnton Memorial in Lincolnton, NC. Cecil retired while working for the United States Postal Service in Elberton, GA. He never lost his love for football and attended as many games as possible at WCU with his �Herd� team mates. Cecil was a member of Jordan Memorial Baptist Church in Greenwood and formerly served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and friends; He could often be found walking his faithful companion, Brandy. He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Simon Smith, his mother, Mildred Smith Carpenter, of Elberton, GA; a brother, Mickey Smith; a grandson, Chandler Smith; and by a son, Mady Smith. Surviving family members include his wife of 46 years, Frances Chandler Smith; three children, Wendy Smith of Franklin, NC, Jamie Smith of Greenwood and Chad Smith of San Manteo, CA; four grandchildren, Aphria Smith, Ashley Bannerman, Seth Smith and �Bean� Smith, who was always by his papa�s side; a brother, Robert Smith and wife Barbara of Williamsburg, VA; two sisters, Carole Talbot and her husband Bill of Elberton, GA and Ann Brown of Lexington, GA; several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Pallbearers will be Larry Wilson, Ed Shive, Bob Farmer, Jr., Louis Campos, Denny Williams, Tobe Childers, Jamie Wilkes and Ryan Brown. Honorary escort will be the Western Carolina Football Teammates and members of the �Herd�. Memorials may be sent to Lewis Rathbun Wellness Center, 121 Sherwood Road, Ashville, NC, 28803.