Lee Smith Gouge, 88, of the Fork Mountain Community, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at his home. He was the son of the late Warfield and Nettie Greene Gouge and was also preceded in death by three sisters: Lois Ellis, Lockie Grey and Ruby Johns; two brothers: L.H. Gouge and Woodrow Gouge. He was a US Army veteran and was presented the Korean War Medal by Congressman Mark Meadows at the Bakersville Historic Courthouse. He was a charter member of the Fork Mtn. Fire Department, Bakersville Lodge #357 since 1970, a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church and was on the Board of Directors on the Gideon's International.

Lee is survived by his wife, Charlotte Jean Gouge; sister, Billie Beach and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 3:00 pm Monday, July 11, 2016 in the chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home with Pastor Mark McKinney, Harold Grindstaff and William Ellis officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Gouge Cemetery. Fellow members of Fork Mtn Fire Department will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge , 236 Hospital Drive , Spruce Pine , NC 28777 .