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Funeral to take place of former veteran DUP councillor Woolsey Smith who has died, aged 88

The father-of-six was surrounded by his family at Craigavon Area Hospital where he died after a lengthy illness

The funeral will take place on Monday of a former Craigavon councillor who passed away after a lengthy illness.

Woolsey Smith, who had lived between Tandragee and Portadown, was 88 years of age.

A presentation had been made to the DUP Councillor in the chamber to mark the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Mr Smith had served as a councillor for upwards on 40 years.

While he had retired from politics, he was delighted last year to be able to attend the Palace in Armagh as part of a reception for the Bright Hours senior citizens group in Portadown, hosted by then Lord Mayor Gareth Wilson.

The veteran councillor had been an active member of Bethany Free Presbyterian Church for many years.

He was one of the leading figures in the Bright Hours group – which meets in Bethany Free Presbyterian Church – and donations in lieu of flowers will be used for both it and the children’s meeting within the church.

Mr Smith was pre-deceased by his wife, Mabel, 20 years ago. They had four sons, Stephen, Robert – a former Mayor of Craigavon – David and Christine, and two daughters, Christine Fletcher and Sharon Hartin.

Mr Smith passed away peacefully at Craigavon Area Hospital on Saturday, with his family by his side.

His funeral will take place on Monday in Bethany Free Presbyterian Church at 12.30pm, with burial afterwards in Kernan Cemetery, Portadown.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made, payable by cheque or postal order, to Bethany Free Presbyterian Church (for the benefit of Bright Hour and the children’s meeting) c/o Joseph Poots and Son Funeral Directors, 42 Bridge Street, Portadown.

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