Henry Smith collection

Henry Jordan Smith was born on October 26, 1931 in Wayne County, North Carolina to Herman Smith and Lillie (Best) Smith. He was married to Betty Lou Adams on December 30, 1950 in Dillon, South Carolina. The Smiths were the parents of two children, Michael and Patricia. In November 1948, he was saved and joined the local congregation in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He was drafted for military service in November 1952, he served as a radio operator and attained the rank of Sergeant in the Army. After his tour of duty, he began his undergraduate studies at Lee College in 1955. In 1957, the Smiths relocated to Wilson, North Carolina and he enrolled in Atlantic Christian College. He completed his Bachelors of Arts degree in 1960. He received his Masters of Arts in 1976 from Fresno State University and his Doctorate of Ministry from California Graduate School of Theology in 1979. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate of letters by Northwest Bible College. In 1979, he accepted the position of President of East Coast Bible College, serving there until 1986. After relocating to Cleveland, Tennessee, he served as an academic adviser, faculty member in the Bible and Christian Ministries Department/School of Religion, eventually becoming the Associate Academic Dean, Vice President of Student Life, and Athletic Director. He retired from full-time status in 2000, becoming a Senior Adjunct Professor with Lee University.