Ode To Shelton

His knowledge was his untapped wellspring, After 93 years of learning anew; He valued knowing something about everything, From construction & farming, to baseball & screws. Early in life, a dairy farm taught him, To think on his feet, with vast common sense; Learning math at the sawmill, he estimated lumber, And rebuilt old motors, appliances & fences. For years he delivered, automobile parts, To Tar Heel cities & Outer Banks towns; Till one day, Wayne County rewarded his smarts, With leadership to run, their buildings and grounds. A Lion's Club/Odd Fellow—active for decades, Making differences in the lives of many; A loyal church member, a Jack of all trades, Directing great efforts, that helped countless plenty! Later in life, he started Smith’s Crafts, With Logs that told Weather--Cow Clocks that told time; Wrote a book on a bell, he loved to autograph, Reading local history aloud, literary passion sublime! His legacy is people, warm and loving, Celebrating them in visits near and far; Shelton Eugene Smith, Sr. a one-of-a-kind, Honored by many, remembered by all! (In honor & Memory of one of the world’s most fascinating men)