July 16, 2024, 86, Albertson —
Faison Delano Smith, age 86 of Albertson, NC died Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 at his daughter, Katrina’s home in Clayton, NC surrounded by loved ones.
Also known as “Buddy Boy”, Faison was born January 4th, 1938 in Kinston, NC to the late Katie Susan “Susie” Grady Smith and Faison Smith. After growing up on the family farm, he served in the Army Reserves. Once discharged he attended NC State College graduating with an Entomology degree. He worked post-graduate doing research with the NC State Entomology Department. He was a lifetime supporter of NC State University.
Faison married Clara “Linda” Alphin Smith of Summerlin’s Crossroads in 1962 and raised 3 daughters in Raleigh, NC. He worked over the years as a successful entrepreneur and as a Contractor building many custom homes in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. In his later years, Faison returned to Albertson, NC where he enjoyed a beautiful garden and became a successful farmer with two large farms.
Faison enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, dancing, calling a square dance or two and he could barbeque the best pig with his eastern NC homemade sauce. He was a southern “soft shoe” dancer and was a joy for his daughters to watch dancing. They know he is dancing in Heaven with his daughter, Karen who loved to dance with her Daddy!
Faison maintained his sense of humor until his final days. Faison never hesitated to tell those he loved that he loved them, especially his 3 daughters for which they are eternally grateful and have passed on to their children. He referred to his daughters as “My Angels”.
Faison is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Smith Todd and Katrina Smith Muirhead of Clayton, NC; his granddaughters Kaitlyn Todd Driver and Kara Todd Bass (Collins) of Clayton, NC, Kristin Klaire Estes of Youngsville, NC and his grandson, Rockford Faison Reck of Raleigh, NC and two great-grandsons, Waylon Vann Driver and Clint Brooks Driver of Clayton, NC. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Olivia Smith of Albertson, NC, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Faison was preceded in death by his former wife, Linda Alphin Smith; his daughter, Karen Smith Estes; his sister, LouGene Smith Hemphill and his brother, William Aaron Smith; a brother-in-law, James Hemphill; two nephews, Jimmy Hemphill and Dan Hemphill and his former companion, Betty Boone.
The deepest gratitude to Faison’s Hospice team, including Cheryl, Elaine, Alison, and Paula, and his various caregivers over the years in Clayton. A special Thank You to his granddaughter, Kara Todd Bass, who was his main caregiver over the past few years and who provided an unlimited source of love, compassion, and care for her Papa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Transitions LifeCare at transitionslifecare.org/donate or ATTN: Philanthropy Dept., Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
The family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, July 24th at 1:00 pm at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mt. Olive, NC followed by a service at 2 p.m. in the chapel, and then burial at the Alphin Cemetery in Summerlin’s Crossroads in Mt. Olive, NC.
