Nixon P. Smith

Nixon Pierce Smith was born in Roseboro, NC to Harvis and Mable Giles Smith on December 14, 1940. He was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal grandparents, Frederick and Molly Lee Giles, and his paternal grandparents, Edmon and Dolly Barnes Smith, who played a significant role in serving Mt. Elam Baptist Church.

To the blessing of his family and with the timing in God’s hand, Nixon lived 18 months longer than doctors expected. Surrounded by family, he passed peacefully in his sleep on July 2, 2023. This particular day held a special significance in his life.

Nixon's love for fast cars was fueled by his grandmother, Mrs. Dolly, who, by selling chicken eggs, saved enough money to buy him his first car - a coveted 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix with a powerful 389 engine and 3-2-barrel carburetors.

In high school, Nixon’s first job was as a truck driver delivering corn meal for Autry Bros. Milling Company. He graduated in 1959 from Clement High School where he was an outstanding first baseman. He attended Campbell University as a member of the first 4-year graduating class, where he obtained a degree in Business Administration in 1963. He worked for Cross Creek Savings and Loan and Belk Hensdale prior to working for MJ Soffe Company where he retired after 43 years on Dec 14, 2007.

Nixon enjoyed watching the Yankees, the Panthers, and NASCAR almost as much as he enjoyed Sunday dinners in Sampson County with his family. He was never happier and never more at home than he was when he was surrounded by his family. He collected recipes from Our State Magazine. When he passed, he had a manila folder of recipes he had yet to try.

Many of Fayetteville’s great basketball players played for Coach Nixon on The Store basketball team, sponsored by MJ Soffe Company, in the Men’s Industrial League. Greats like Harry “Flip” Flipping, Mike Parkins, Tony Wade, Sandy Frasier, and Nixon’s brother, Keith Smith. His teams won several championships and he thought highly of these men.

Nixon was a member of Village Baptist Church and the Eagles Wings Life Group.

The Celebration of Life ceremony and interment of Nixon will take place on another significant day in his life - his 16th wedding anniversary to his wife Lynn. Nixon’s children, Susan and Stuart, are appreciative of the care and attention Lynn gave to Nixon during his illness.

As mentioned, Nixon is survived by his wife Lynn Ward Smith, a daughter, Susan Edwards, and her husband, Ken, of Charlotte, NC, a son, Stuart Smith, of Sampson County, a Stepson, Jonathan Dewrell, of Durham, NC, and a stepdaughter, Heather Edwards, of Monroe, NC, granddaughters Anna Edwards New and her husband, Grant, of Beaufort, SC, and Rae Edwards of the home. Additionally, he is survived by a brother who loved and cared for him dearly, Keith Smith, and his children, Nixon’s nieces, LeAnn Smith and Erika Wilson.

The family will receive friends at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 7 at Village Baptist church with a Celebration of Life service at 2:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Elam Baptist Church in Roseboro, NC at 4:30 p.m. with a visitation to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Cemetery Fund at Mt. Elam Baptist Church, The Youth Ministry at Village Baptist Church, or to the ministry of your choice.