Clayton Coleman Smith III

"Chip" as he was known to close family and friends, believed in his heart, that life was about the simple things. He was an avid animal lover and had two rescue kitties, Ice and Wee-One, as well as his constant companion, BooBoo his dog, who was always by his side.

Clayton's greatest joy was cooking and baking for his sister, Donna, whom he regarded as his best friend, next to his mom, Wanda.

Clay was extremely gifted when it came to creating a masterpiece out of wood. He was a genius at diagnosing and repairing small engines in lawn equipment. He enjoyed nature, cooking on the grill and building models. He thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere that came with fishing prior to his health declining.

Most often, Clay was a man of few words; however when he spoke, everyone around him was attentive to his witty sense of humor and his mesmerizing enthusiasm and charm.

Clayton was eager to help a stranger, neighbors and friends. He deeply loved his family, his best friend Homer Sadler and he sincerely admired his Pastor Eddie Morgan.

Left to treasure his memory, his laughter and the essence of his spirit are his parents, Wanda Elizabeth and Clayton Coleman Smith, Jr. of Norfolk, VA; his sister, Donna Smith-Bush of Hope Mills, NC; his closest neice, Tabatha Candice Bush of Rocky Mount, NC; his brother, Duane Lee Smith of Conyers, GA and several church family members.

He is predeceased in death by his sisters, Christine Camellia Engleman and Rhonda Leonard.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to the UNC Chapel Hill Neurosciences Department at:

The Arts & Sciences Foundation

ATTN: Jennifer Chandler

University of Chapel Hill

523 Franklin Street

Chapel Hill, NC 27599-6115