Dennis Lee Smith, 76, of Murrells Inlet, SC, passed away on February 11th, at Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, SC. He was born on October 28, 1935 in the Horry Community of Horry County, SC to Lee Geroy Smith and Frances Stalvey Smith.

He received his degree from Newberry College and served as Assistant Principal and math teacher at Aynor High School for fourteen years while also involved in tobacco farming. He served his country as a member of the National Guard for six years.

In 1969, he built and operated Land's Inn Hotel in Myrtle Beach. He and his family later expanded their businesses to currently include Bermuda Sands, Bar Harbor and Oceans One. Mr. Smith was a former member and Deacon of Salem Baptist Church while also serving as President of the Finance committee, Chairman of the Building committee for the Fellowship Hall and leader of the Boy's Youth Group. Mr. Smith was a current member of Belin Memorial United Methodist Church. In addition, Mr. Smith was a member of First Citizens Bank Board of Directors and member of the Myrtle Beach Advisory Tax committee. He was also a member of the Aynor Lion's Club.

He is survived by his high school sweet heart and loving wife, Martha Jenerette Smith. Dennis took much pleasure listening to his wife's beautiful piano music. Martha was and always will be the love of his life for which he so admired. He was preceded in death by a sister, Connie Sue Smith.

Survivors in addition to his wife include; sons, Dennis Lee Smith Jr. and wife Sherri of Murrells Inlet, SC, Frank D. Smith and wife Candi of Murrells Inlet, SC; daughters, Montye Smith Knox and the late Charlie Knox of Charlotte, NC, Sally J. Smith of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Whitney Smith, Dennis Lee Smith III, Matthew Smith, Elizabeth Knox, Candler Smith, Davis Smith; brother Tom G. Smith and wife Sharon of Murrells Inlet, SC; sisters Jacqueline S. Chastain and husband Doyle of Murrells Inlet, SC and New Smyrna Beach, FL and Diane S. Sirmon and husband Bill of Pawleys Island, SC.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mike Alexander, Rev. Marty Nason and Rev. Harold Lewis officiating. The family will receive friends at Belin Family Life Center following the service with burial at Salem Baptist Church at 3:30 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, 4182 Hwy. 17 Bus. Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 or to Salem Baptist Church, 4008 Salem Rd, Aynor, SC 29511.

Sign a guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com/obituraries

Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.