Murphy "Pete" Cleo Smith

Murphy “Pete” Cleo Smith, 103, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 2, 1922, in Franklin County, Virginia to the late Leonard Dewey Smith and Blanche Peters Smith. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Caterina Marchetti Smith; siblings, Norvell “Toby” P. Smith, Glenver “Jack” O. Smith, J.W. Archie Smith, and Estelle Smith Stowe; and son-in-law, O. Douglas Cumbia II.

Pete honorably served in the United States Army during WWII in the 5th Army, 85th Division, 337th Infantry, Charlie Company. He was stationed in Africa, France and Italy. After separating from the service, he worked at Stanley Furniture for 36 years until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of American Legion, Post 11, in Bassett. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Martinsville, Virginia.

Pete is survived by the following family members: daughter, Elaine Smith Cumbia; son, Carl Marino Smith (Gail Chitwood Smith); grandchildren, Dwight David Smith (Nancy Quezada Smith) and O. Douglas “Chip” Cumbia III; great-grandchildren, David Murphy Smith and Daniel Marino Smith; and many special nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The Smith family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Sara Campbell and her exceptional team of caregivers at Fork Mountain Adult Home. Their compassion, kindness, and attentive care brought great comfort to Pete and meant the world to our family. We will always cherish the love and dignity they showed him during his time there.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19th, at Norris Funeral Services – Martinsville, from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, with the Funeral Mass beginning at 12:30 PM. A burial will follow at Henry Memorial Park, in Bassett, Virginia, where military honors will be conducted for Pete.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory – Martinsville is serving the Smith family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com