Frank Adam Smith, Jr.

Frank Adam “Buddy” Smith Jr., 89, went to his heavenly home Saturday August 31st, 2024.

  A celebration of life service will be held at Loves Creek Baptist Church Thursday September 5th. Visitation will be at 1pm followed by the service at 2 pm. Burial will immediately follow the service at Loves Creek cemetery.

Frank was born July 1st, 1935, in Siler City NC to the late Frank Adam Smith Sr and Addie Gladys Teague Smith at their home in the Silk Hope community. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ruby Smith Andrew and Jeanette Smith Teague and wife Lana Nance Smith.

Those left to cherish his memory are sons Frank Smith of Sanford NC and Kerry Smith (Sandra) of Siler City NC and daughters Serena Smith (Russell) of Franklinton NC and Amy Smith (Mark) of Siler City NC , 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Frank served in the U.S. Army in Korea as a tank commander and was a farmer most of his life. He loved working on the farm so much it was not just a livelihood but also his “hobby”. He also worked at Collin’s and Aikman several years after retiring from farming.

Frank was a long-time active member of the Silk Hope Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years serving as chief for several years as well as maintaining EMT certification. He was often the very first responder on the scene according to his fellow firefighters. So much so, that they used to joke he must sleep in his fireman’s suit. He also trained hundreds of firemen over the years. He truly loved being of service this way.

Frank was a lifelong active member of Loves Creek Baptist in Siler City serving as deacon and caretaker for many years. He also served as caretaker for several years at Rocky River Baptist church. 

Frank took particular interest in family history. He helped put together an extensive family tree and organized the annual family reunion where he shared stories, pictures, and artifacts of his ancestors. He never forgot where he came from and all the faith and hard work that preceded him.

Frank was a faithful servant to his country, community, church and family and a devout Christian.

Frank was the recipient of the state’s prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine award in 2016 for exemplary contributions to his community. This is the highest civilian award in the state.

Frank was a loving and devoted son, father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was loved by many.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of the memory care unit at Alamance House for their compassionate care over the last few months as well as Ava Bayles for her in home care prior to this.

If you would like to honor his memory, in lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Loves Creek Baptist Church in Siler City or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Smith family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com