Archibald Oliver McFadyen

Archie was born in Smithfield, North Carolina on December 28th, 1947 to Esther Page McFadyen and George Arthur McFadyen, Sr.

Graduated from Smithfield High School and attended both North Carolina State University and Hardbarger’s Business College.

In addition, he served in the US Army reserves for six years.

Archie grew up in a historic hospital in Smithfield that had been turned into a beautiful home with a surrounding garden, consisting mostly of flowers. Though it underwent updates and restoration prior to purchase, as well as Esther’s touch of elegance and warmth…the whole family swore it was haunted! George Sr. even built an add on to the house to be Archie’s new bedroom. So he wouldn’t have to “sleep in the haunted house”.

Despite the McFadyen’s being avid sportsmen, they were animal lovers. Their home in Smithfield consisted of “Ruby-Eyed” white rabbits (all named Peter), several “bird dogs”, and a Paint pony named Mac. Archie loved telling stories about Mac as much as his daughter loved hearing them! One of the most surprising being how Mac had a habit of picking the latch on the barn with his mouth to escape. He’d then let himself INTO their home using his same method with the doorknob. Mac would then head straight to the kitchen for the cookies and sugar cubes.

Against what was considered “appropriate” for the time, most of Archie and his brother’s childhood was spent in a pool hall. “The Pickwick” was their dad’s pool hall and conveniently down the street from their house. As George Sr.’s boys, them and their friends were always invited in and well taken care of.

With a love for all motor and water sports, that same love his kids, Arch and Abby, would later have as well. Amongst the many outdoor activities, surfing was at the top of his list. When a hurricane was headed for the North Carolina coast, so was Archie with his surfboard! He had a heavy longboard (that he made himself) he wouldn’t only carry it to the beach, but would run with it to the end of the pier. From there, Archie would jump in after his board and ride the waves in!

Archie was never a smoker yet he was known by many as the “Marlboro Man”! He worked for Philip Morris for twenty years traveling to set up Marlboro displays. He’d pride himself on doing occasional modeling gigs and “male beauty contests.” Archie was even more proud to be featured in the paper after winning 1st place, dressed as the “Marlboro Man”!

At the Azalea Festival in 1972 with his best friend Jim, Archie met his wife Deborah. After 10 years of dating (he had to be sure) they married and moved into their new home in Raleigh. The same house they’d later raise a family in.

Archie remained an avid sportsman well into his senior, duck hunting being his go-to. His family always had black labradors that Archie and his son Arch, would train and bring on hunting trips. Because of his involvement in the riffle team, Archie would regularly shoot ambidextrous even in his 70s. Like her brother, Abby was also raised hunting and fishing. Though she’s not much of a hunting fan, you can believe Archie McFadyen’s daughter can shoot!

Archie’s family was his heart beat. As well as his extended family, and his many friends who might as well have been family. He loved people and loved to make them laugh!

In addition to his Wife Deborah of 44 years, Archie is survived by “his pride and joy”, his daughter Abby McFadyen. As well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Archie was preceded in death by his parents and beloved son, Archibald Oliver McFadyen II “Arch”, and brothers, George Author McFadyen, II, and John Page McFadyen.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if you would consider a gift to the Defenders of Wildlife or the American Wild Horse Conservation. For both Archie and his daughters love for horses, and the protection of the American wild horses, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.

A Funeral Service will be held at Greystone Baptist Church, 7509 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC on September 30, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Raleigh Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 in the church. The service will be livestreamed, to join, please use the 'Join Livestream' link in the services box below.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Archie, or a message of condolence for his family,. you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.