Wayne Michael Smoak

Wayne Michael Smoak, 66, of Clayton, North Carolina passed away on February 26, 2026. Born in Walterboro, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Ivey Smoak and the late Jackie Nell Holmes Hughes. Wayne lived a life defined by dedication, resilience, and deep love for his family.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Susan Smoak; his son, Hunter Smoak (Aspen Myers); his daughters, Savannah Morrow (Michael Morrow) and Mandy Tognotti (Charlie Tognotti); his cherished grandchildren, Rosalee Morrow, Declan Morrow, and Levi Tognotti; his sister, Kathy Drawdy (the late Timmie Drawdy); as well as numerous great nephews and nieces, cousins, and great aunts and uncles. He adored his family, and was a devoted husband, dad, and grandaddy whose steady presence and strength will be deeply missed.

A proud graduate of Walterboro High School, Wayne went on to earn his degree in 1984 from the University of South Carolina, where he was a devoted Gamecock and a founding member of the USC Chapter of Delta Upsilon. His lifelong love for the Gamecocks never faded, and he could often be found cheering on South Carolina during college football and basketball seasons.

Wayne’s early career included time as a radio announcer and DJ for WALD-AM/FM from 1977 to 1980, reflecting his outgoing personality and love of music. He later dedicated over 30 years of service as a Court Services Analyst within the North and South Carolina court systems, retiring after a long and respected career in public service.

Wayne had a lifelong passion for computers and technology and loved photography, capturing moments that mattered most. He also enjoyed collecting sports cards, coins, and antiques. A 2005 cancer survivor, Wayne faced life’s challenges with strength and determination. Through every season of life, his greatest pride and joy was his growing family, and his children and grandchildren were truly the light of his life.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at McLaurin Funeral Home (12830 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520), followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. and burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Wayne requested that donations be made to the SPCA of Wake County in his memory.

Wayne’s legacy lives on in the love he gave, the memories he created, and the family he was so proud to call his own.

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV