Winford Kentrell Smith of Cary, North Carolina, the only son of Winifred Renee' Smith and Anthony E. Smith, was born on October 21, 1994, in Durham, North Carolina at Duke Hospital and departed this life unexpectedly on Friday, August 16, 2019, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina.
A native of Durham, North Carolina, Winford began his education in Durham, North Carolina at Bright World Daycare and was educated in the Durham Public Schools System attending E. K. Powe Elementary, Glenn Elementary, Southwest Elementary and subsequently, became a graduate of Hillside High School in 2013. He continued his higher education by attending North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and transferring to North Carolina Central University.
His evident love for playing the drums began as early as the age of 3. At the age of 5, he became the official drummer at Sanctuary Of Christ Holy Church under the leadership of Pastor Rachel H. Green. At the age of 9, he began to play for P-Storm at Mount Calvary United Church Of Christ in Durham, North Carolina under the direction of Mr. Randy Marsh. While attending Hillside High School under the direction of Mr. Xavier Cason, he was part of the drumline in the Marching Hillside Hornets band. In his first year at NC A & T State University, he was part of the drumline and performed with the Cold Steel Marching band under the direction of Mr. Longhorn. While at NCCU, he was a part of the drumline, Axis DOA and its marching band, The Sound Machine under the direction of Mr. Thurman D. Holland. Drumming was such a vital extension of his life that he even proposed to a fellow band member, Miss Lanetta Janel Bowser on March 30, 2019 during Band Blast at NCCU. She accepted and officially became his fiancee'. Winford also was a brother in both the Alpha Psi Phi and Mu Psi Phi fraternities.
Winford was a quiet, humble, and respectful young man to others. He loved X-Men, X-Box, video games, and the movie, Drumline. He played at SOCHC until December, 2018. When a drummer vacancy became available at Abundant Hope Christian Church, he accepted the position under the leadership of Pastor Mark Anthony Middleton. His employment included Dane's Chicken and Waffles, Hendrick's Auto Park of Southpoint (Chevrolet and Mercedes Benz Parts and Sales Departments), and current employment at Raleigh Durham International Airport.
Winford was preceded in death by his grandparents, Theodore Smith and Prophetess Thomasine Howze Smith. Those left to cherish his memories are: Winifred Renee' Holman Smith and Mr. Anthony E. Smith (Parents), two sisters, Miss Marion and Kamesha Smith, one niece, Mahogany Jade Smith, one nephew, Daniel Michael Smith, one aunt, Miss Patricia Armstrong of Atlanta, GA, one uncle,Mr. Henry C. Smith, special godparents, Pastor Rachel H. Green and Deacon Henry Green, fiancee', Miss Lanetta Janel Bowser of Cary, North Carolina. a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.
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