James R. Smith

Published 10:20 am Thursday, November 14, 2024

CONWAY – James Randolph “Randy” Smith, aged 72, affectionately known as “Pop” to his granddaughters, and “Mudgaper” to his hunting buddies, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024, at ECU Health Medical Center in Pitt County. Born on April 21, 1952, in Hertford County, Randy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose memory will be cherished by many.

A dedicated and hardworking individual, Randy retired from Georgia Pacific in Conway, North Carolina, after 31 years of distinguished service as a Quality Assurance Chemist. Beyond his professional life, Randy was an avid outdoorsman with a deep passion for hunting and fishing. He treasured the camaraderie of his Severn Hunt Club family and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with friends at Kerr Lake. His fondness for the community extended to the beach family in Nags Head, NC, where he loved to create memories.

Randy found immense joy in his family, especially his beloved granddaughters, who were the light of his life. He also delighted in gathering with his “Meet and Eat” group on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Randy cherished his nearly 50-year marriage to his loving wife, Wanda, with whom he shared a profound bond and countless shared experiences as members of the Severn Hunt Club.

Preceded in death by his father, George Waverly Smith; mother, Maggie Collier Clay; and brother, Ronnie Smith, Randy leaves behind a legacy of love and loyalty. He is survived by his devoted wife, Wanda Hoggard Smith, of the home; son, Chad Smith and his wife Angie of Como; and his cherished granddaughters, Alex Vann and Trinity Smith, also of Como. Additionally, Randy is survived by his mother-in-law, Thelma Helms of Rich Square; brother, George Smith and his wife Daisy of Lake Gaston; as well as brothers-in-law, Ricky Hoggard and wife Shirley of Aulander, and Ken Brown and wife Terry of Conway. Randy’s extended family includes nephews, Jim Smith and wife DeNay, Andy Smith and wife Wendy, Scott Smith and wife Leslie, Michael Hoggard, Colby Brown and wife Alyson; niece, Allison Satterfield and husband Alan; great nieces and nephews, Hunter, Wynnie, Michael, Lizzie, Brantley, and Emily, who will all miss him dearly.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Conway Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, and at other times at the home of his son, Chad. A celebration of James’s life will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Conway Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Kevin Hanel. Following the service, burial will take place at Conway Cemetery.

Honoring Randy as pallbearers are R.P. Watson, Stan Britton, Michael Davis, Ryan Davis, Ray Trevino, and Lucas Vaughan. Honorary pallbearers include all Severn Hunt Club Members, James Hatcher, Don Hilliard, Parker Watson, Walter Lee, Johnny Reynolds, Heath Vann, Danny Revelle, Roby Futrell, Billy Futrell, Roger Cofield, Wade Hollingsworth, and Roger Robertson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Randy’s name to Parkinson’s Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126 or online by visiting tmcfunding.com/ search fund, type- Randy Smith.

Online condolences can be made at www.garrettsykesfs.com.Funeral arrangements were trusted to Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, 314 W. Main Street Murfreesboro, NC 27855.