October 8, 2024, 83, Goldsboro —
Douglas Daniels Smith, 83, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Born in Wayne County on New Hope Road, Douglas was the son of the late Willard Smith Daniels and Gatsy Newsome Smith and was raised by Wayne “Red” Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Dana “Sissy” Smith Sasser, and a brother, John Ed Smith.
Being raised in North Carolina, Douglas spent time in both North Carolina and Maryland, settling down on Guy Smith Road in La Grange for the last 46 years. A hard worker who possessed various skills, Douglas was a farmer, owned a heavy equipment business and auto service center, ran a crane business, built and operated a mobile home park, raised rabbits, ran liquor, and founded the Smith Institute of Higher Learning, better known as Doug’s Store. Throughout all his careers, he was most proud of being a heavy equipment operator—or as he called it, “a dirt man”.
As hard as Douglas worked in his businesses, his favorite hobby was always more work. Not one to fish or hunt, own a pool or boat, or frequent the beach or mountains, he found the most pleasure in having a project. He’d never finish one without preparing for the next in his mind, for his goal was to stay busy and accomplish much. When he did step away from work, you could find him enjoying antique tractor pulling or reading, as he was an avid reader throughout his life.
Douglas believed that there were few problems that couldn’t be cured by hard work. Known for his sayings, “can’t never could” and “if you need a helping hand, you can find one on the end of your arm”, he believed that the solution to most problems was to tackle them head-on. Always willing to answer your questions and share his thoughts, Douglas could be both gentle as a lamb and fierce as a lion. With a personality that left everyone knowing what he thought and stood for, he was quick-witted and never missed an opportunity to tell a joke or make a friend.
Proud of the life he had and the work he did, Douglas was most grateful for the family he had and his ability to provide well for them. He loved each one dearly and tried to instill the same ethics in them for which he stood.
The family will receive friends on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Doug’s life at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.
Douglas is survived by his wife, Catherine Butler Smith; Daughter, Dina Smith Evans; grandchildren, Sommer Barwick and spouse, Kenny, Stephanie Evans Rodrigo, Matt Sasser, Tyler Sasser and wife Erica, and Emily Sasser Johnson; great-grandchildren, Nathan Broadway and wife, Julia, Mya Evans, Jayden Rodrigo and wife Doris, Noah Sasser, Elizabeth Johnson, Gatsy Sasser, and Samantha Fields; and a great-great-grandchild, Azalea.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his memory to Cures for the Colors, SMOC, 203 Cox Blvd., Goldsboro, NC 27534.
