Greg Smith is pictured at his store, Mitchell Hardware, in this photo posted on the store's Facebook page. Greg Smith died Monday, Jan. 29.
Like everyone else who knew Greg Smith, his death Monday morning filled me with a terrible sorrow.
Like everyone else who knew Greg, I felt as though I lost my best friend.
Greg was a joyous soul, one of the kindest people I ever met. As I write this, my mind sees his infectious smile, hears his gravelly voice, rejoices in his gentle nature, and is amazed by his super human enthusiasm.
Shortly after launching New Bern Post back in October, I began work on what was to be a series of feature articles about things that make New Bern special. Greg Smith and Mitchell Hardware, one and the same, were first on my list.
I started laying the groundwork. I visited Mitchell Hardware more often, surreptitiously gathering information for the article I was going to write while buying things I didn’t really need.
Did you know Mitchell Hardware stocks more than 80,000 items? That’s what a store employee told me, confirmed by Greg himself. I have half a notebook full of little tidbits like that.
I was going to surprise him with it. I would take my collection of tidbits, photos and videos about him and his store and put it on my website, then I would show him. He would be flattered and a little embarrassed. He did not deserve such attention, he would have said.
That I did not finish it is tragic. That Greg is no longer with us is our tragedy.
But Greg’s death, though untimely and unwanted, was not tragic. It is lives that end unfulfilled that are tragic. Greg’s life is the embodiment of a life lived well and a life fulfilled. Greg’s life was a storybook of friendships and accomplishments and a wonderful store filled with treasures useful and useless totaling more than 80,000 items.
I knew Greg just over eight years. His house is around the corner and down the block from mine and I walk past it nearly every day. Often I saw him in his yard and waved. Sometimes I’d stop and we would have a chat while I petted his dog.
It struck me a bit odd that someone who runs a wonderful place like Mitchell Hardware would live so simply … a gray-painted bungalow with a simple yard. Of course I know the reason; we all do.
Greg Smith spent his life dedicated to his store and a city full of best friends.
Randy Foster/New Bern Post
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A life should not be measured by it's length but by what you do with it.
Greg did very well.
I knew Greg well, having worked for him for nearly thirty years. He spoke fondly of you, Randy. I hope you will complete your book. I know Greg was a modest man, but I still think he would have smiled in appreciation.
Yes I would love to see you finish the book. Would love to read more about Greg. Where he lived, where he went to school. If his parents were still living. If he was an only child. More about his children and their families. I know it would be great reading. He was such and important person here in NEW BERN. Did so much for our town and loved doing it and didn't think twice about doing it. Would love to read more about him. It is going to be so odd not seeing him in front of the store or standing in his colonial attire at the gates of Tryon Palace saying HEAR YEE HEAR YEE WELCOME TO COLONIAL TRYON PALACES CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION. With that big big infectious smile and grin. HE WILL BE SO MISSED. GOD BLESS YOU GREG AND REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND. See you again someday.
If we could all just live our lives at even a fraction of how Greg lived his....imagine what this City, this Community could be! I have many years of fond memories of him. I will never forget them or Greg!
Rest in peace my friend, I will do my best, and so will others, to carry on your legacy of kindness, support, love and loyalty to all. I thank you for your friendship and support.