Town of Weldon honors native son Gentry Smith for his career of service including as U.S. Asst. Sec. of State for Diplomatic Service

The town of Weldon in Halifax County celebrated the return of a native son who served presidents and heads of state. Gentry Smith’s career began in the Raleigh Police Department in 1983.

4 years later, he was called upon to protect U.S. diplomats.

Smith has many friends in the small town of Weldon, says Alice Joyner Irby who helped organize the event to honor Smith. "This was a segregated community, but there were strong African-American families here all along. He had a strong community that supported him. He had a strong set of teachers," said Irby.

He came back to the same Weldon Senior High School that helped to inspire him to a life of service, ultimately as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security. "I grew up in a family of service. Both of my parents were educators," said Smith.

After graduating NC State University, he joined the Raleigh Police Department in1983, following in the footsteps of others in his family.

Four years later, he answered the call for national service. "It’s taken me around the world multiple times. I have over 80 countries under my belt at this time," said Smith.

A crowd welcomed him home in the gymnasium of Weldon Senior High. Students came to hear his message, that even in a small town, everybody can find their own opportunity. "To let them know that I am you and it doesn’t matter where you came from and at the same time, it does matter where you come from," said Smith.

Surprises from many old friends like his football coach as well as his old english teacher Eddie Davis. Mayor Hugh Credle says Smith is more important to this community than he may realize. "The thing about him, he hasn’t forgotten about home and it began from the family he came from," said the mayor.