Smiley Burnett Tribble

Obituary For Smiley Burnett Tribble

Smiley Burnette Tribble was born on February 10, 1941 in Gastonia NC. He departed this life on Saturday April 17, 2021 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, Gastonia, NC. He was born to the late Thomas Nathaniel Tribble and Mamie Ida Grier Tribble. He was the youngest of five boys.

Smiley graduated from Reid High School in 1959 where he was regularly active in sports, football, basketball, and baseball. He also attended Winston Salem State University. Smiley worked for Pharr Yarns in McAdenville, NC and Burlington Industries in Belmont, NC for several years. He also worked as a part-time bartender at The Hungry Fisherman (now known as Papa Docs) in Lake Wylie, SC. Even after retirement, he got into landscaping because he just could not sit at home until “Ree” called him to eat. He would hum all the way down the street!!!!

While employed at Pharr Yarns and Burlington, he played for their softball team. The Pharr Yarn league kept the family traveling to different states and once, the team traveled to Canada. There would always be an article in the newspaper of him for “the most home runs!”

Smiley joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Belmont, NC in his early years and has remained a member. During this time, he was also a coach for the girls’ softball team that went all the way to the championship and won. That was his first and last year doing that!! Later on, he did coach again for the men’s softball team and was also an umpire! On some Sundays, he would ride to church with the family but would walk back. When asked why he said, “gives me time to think about what the preacher said.”

Smiley leaves to cherish his love and memories: his wife; A. Marie Artis Tribble aka “ Ree”: one brother: Raymond “Sloppy” Tribble; six daughters: Karen King (Tony), of Belmont, NC; Andria Tribble (Johnny) of Stanley, NC; Kimberly Grier of Charlotte, NC; Betina McClure of Belmont, NC; Adrienne King of Charlotte, NC; Crystal Pegram (Eric) of York, SC, ten grandchildren: Airington (Jacinda), Porsha, Deondria (Romel), Prince, Antonio, Dylan, Eriel, Anthony, Jordan, and Lauren, seven great grandchildren: Gabby, Romello, Prince, Jr., Joshiah, Rich, Kobe, and Laila, one great grand puppy “Sky”, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Memorial services are as follows:

PLACE: Morning Glory Community Belmont, North Carolina

Date and Time: Friday, April 23, 2021 AT: 1:00 P.M.

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