Mr. Eli Andrew "Buddy" Smith

Eli Andrew Smith “Buddy”, 82 years of age, of Eastover, passed peacefully Thursday,
October 30 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Buddy was born March 10, 1932, in Maryland to Harry James and Katherine Nichols
Smith.

Eli met and married Maria in 1962 in Corozal, Belize. They raised their family in
Fayetteville, enjoying the close bond of his brothers and sisters; Buddy retired from the
Civil Service, Army National Guard and finally from Cumberland County. He was a quiet
man with many talents. Buddy was accomplished at woodworking. His love for the
coast inspired him to build scale model replicas of boats in his past time. He had a
passion for photography and playing the guitar. He enjoyed leather crafting and jewelry
making, There really wasn’t much Buddy couldn’t do. His family often refers to him as a
Master of all trades. In his later years, Eli was an active volunteer for “Meal on wheels
“in his community.

Buddy encouraged his children and grandchildren to appreciate and enjoy the simpler
things life had to offer. He was known for being calm, cool, and collected and a devoted
mentor to all who cared to listen. Buddy was a loyal man to his family and gave all of
himself to those he loved unconditionally. He will be remembered and cherished by all
who knew him.

Eli was preceded in death by Sisters, Jacqueline, Francis, and brothers William “Bill”,
and Ramsey

At Eli is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Maria Vasquez and their four children
Timmy, Dolly Smith (Harold Braswell), Dede Betters (Mark Betters), and Katie Howard
(Farrell Howard); six grandchildren; Tatiana, Nick, Jacqueline, Ben, D’Angleo, Elijah and
goddaughters, Ariel, Sarah. Family, also includes nieces, Sandy, (Raul), Elaine, Jackie,
(Jerry) and nephew Nick, (Linda).

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2014 at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the Vision Resource.
Services are entrusted to Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service and Crematory, of Fayetteville, NC.