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Memories & Candles

“Michael was a very giving person. I live in Cobbleston and would ask him about helping some of our community events and he and Tyler would alwys make...Read More »
1 of 92 | Posted by: Lori Gomes - Clayton, NC

“I'm so sorry for your lost. He was a great guy and I'm glad I had the opportunity to know him. He will be missed and remembered by everyone who...Read More »
2 of 92 | Posted by: Beth Cecil - Archdale, NC

“Emily and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss, you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Allison ”
3 of 92 | Posted by: Allison McDonald Jourdan - NC

“We were so sorry to hear news of this very special persons passing. I am sure he will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to his wife and...Read More »
4 of 92 | Posted by: Barbara and Charlie Mikels - NC

“Emily, words cannot heal the pain of losing someone so dear. May God give you the strength to overcome the pain. ”
5 of 92 | Posted by: Roselyn Powell - Greensboro, NC

“Dear Family, I am so sorry for Michael's passing. I met Mike once - about two weeks ago, by the recommendation of Jim Godfrey, the Clayton...Read More »
6 of 92 | Posted by: Julie Belanger - Clayton, NC

“Emily, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With Deepest Sympathy, Glenn Mills ”
7 of 92 | Posted by: Glenn Mills - Pine Knoll Shores, NC

“Please accept my condolences on your loss. Wayne Smith ”
8 of 92 | Posted by: Wayne Smith - Archdale, NC

“I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I'll keep the family in my Prayers.... ”
9 of 92 | Posted by: Theresa Byrd- Hoke County Probation - NC

“May god be with you and your family. ”
10 of 92 | Posted by: cornell mcgill - washington, NC

“I am so very sorry about your son. My prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Betty Payton ”
11 of 92 | Posted by: Betty Morgan Payton - Apex, NC

“Michael, You were the kindest man I've ever met. The kind that would give the shirt off your back when someone was in need. I am a lucky person to...Read More »
12 of 92 | Posted by: Michelle Watson - Smithfield, NC

“Emily, My dear sweet friend Iam so shocked and sad to hear about the loss of Michael. You were always so proud of him and what a ...Read More »
13 of 92 | Posted by: Brenda Holland -Odum - Jamestown, NC

“Mike, I am so very sorry about your son. My prayers are with your family and Michael's. Sincerely, Joanne Slavin ”
14 of 92 | Posted by: Joanne Slavin - Charlotte, NC

“Mikey (nubs) was my friend through high school, though we hadnt spoken in a long time. He really was the guy who everyone liked. Overcoming...Read More »
15 of 92 | Posted by: Stayce Hedgecock - Trinity, NC

“Mikey, You were always the kinda guy that could make the best out of a bad situation. You just had that "IT' factor. Always a lot of laughs,...Read More »
16 of 92 | Posted by: Shane and Erin Whittington - NC

“We are so sorry to hear about the lost of Michael. He was so giving and supportive to our school and others. He will be missed. May God give your...Read More »
17 of 92 | Posted by: River Dell Elementary PTA - NC

“Your loss is tremendous. Micheal Smith made a difference to everyone he met. Your community is a better place because of his efforts. Our thoughts...Read More »
18 of 92 | Posted by: Tim, Penny, Zack, and Kate Wood - NC

“Mike was a great friend, I have so many memories. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Phillips family. ”
19 of 92 | Posted by: Brad Phillips. - Trinity

“I am deeply sorry for the lost of Michael to you Kelly and the rest of the family. ”
20 of 92 | Posted by: Diana Lendzian - Cary, NC

“To the Smith family, I honestly don't know what to say except I am still in shock from this loss. I don't think I ever saw Mike when he wasn't...Read More »
21 of 92 | Posted by: Kelly Emory - Clayton, NC

“GOD WILL BE GETTING A GREAT MAN BY HIS SIDE . WHEN YOU SHOW LOVE , YOU ARE SHOWING GOD TO THE WORLD.MIKE ALWAYS DID THAT . KELLY GOD BLESS YOU AND...Read More »
22 of 92 | Posted by: rodrick ford - GOLDSBRORO NC, NC

“We will miss your smile, laughter and kindness towards others. Your family is in our prayers and your memory stays in our hearts. ”
23 of 92 | Posted by: Christie Latham - clayton, NC

“Although we are unable to be there in this family's time of grief, you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Let the bonds you have with family and...Read More »
24 of 92 | Posted by: Sean and Sarah Kelly - Greensboro, NC

“Dear Emily, I was deeply saddened to learn of your son's passing. I remember vividly the wonderful stories you shared with me regarding your son...Read More »
25 of 92 | Posted by: Sherry Pilkington - Clayton, NC

“Smith,Stamps Family, My heart aches for you and your family. I pray that you will find comfort and peace during this time. I will keep you and...Read More »
26 of 92 | Posted by: Bernice Thomas - Raleigh, NC

“Giving our condolences to the family. ”
27 of 92 | Posted by: Marion and Trevor Nunnally - NC

“It is 11:50am visitation is about to began....God is with you....and my prayers. God will take care of his little children...."red, yellow, black and...Read More »
28 of 92 | Posted by: Lloyd Stephenson - Selma, NC

“Mike & Beth, We offer our sincere condolences to you and your family. In this time of sorry, God will be with you and guide you. Our thoughts and...Read More »
29 of 92 | Posted by: Larry Weant - High Point, NC

“Emily, Your dad was right. The best thing you can do for your children is to leave a good reputation. Some day Hailey and Jacob will be so proud of...Read More »
30 of 92 | Posted by: Cathy Clayton - Smithfield, NC

“we are so sorry for your loss ”
31 of 92 | Posted by: Rick Becker

“My condolences to the family. ”
32 of 92 | Posted by: Bob Clarke - Clayton, NC - Friend

“Michael was an amazing man. He was so kind and generous to my daughter Ava and our entire family. I will always be grateful to him and his family. ...Read More »
33 of 92 | Posted by: Amy Shores

“sorry, my prayers are with the family... God knows best...he has a plan for Mike and his family....we have to trust him and all will be well....God...Read More »
34 of 92 | Posted by: Lloyd Stephenson - Selma, NC

“Kelly, My heart aches for you and your family. Michael's passing is a terrible loss for all who knew and loved him. You and your beautiful...Read More »
35 of 92 | Posted by: Margaret Edmiston - Morrisville, NC

“Michael, you will be missed. I am praying for your family. His genorsity to the Relay for Life with their support of our Survior Dinner and Wrap up...Read More »
36 of 92 | Posted by: Phyllis Thornton - Smithfield, NC

“I am so sorry for this tragic loss for Michael's family and friends. I am deeply saddened for the loss for our community. I met Michael when he...Read More »
37 of 92 | Posted by: Jan Hardison - Clayton, NC

“My prayers & thoughts go out to Kelly & family. His smile & legacy of his kind heart will always be remembered. ”
38 of 92 | Posted by: Patsy Carey - Garner, NC - friend

“I am so sorry for your lost. Our community has lost a wonderful leader who has been an inspiration to many. If there is anything I can do this next...Read More »
39 of 92 | Posted by: Sarai Daniels - Smithfield, NC

“Dear Michael, I enjoyed every minute I use to Babysit you. You will always be in my heart. To a sweet young man who passed to soon. Love...Read More »
40 of 92 | Posted by: Kathy Brown - Thomasville, NC

“My thoughts and prayers go to Kelly and her family during this difficult time. I had the opportunity of working with Michael during school...Read More »
41 of 92 | Posted by: Connie Lillie - Clayton, NC

“Mike, Beth and Entire Smith Family, We were so sorry to learn of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that others care. With Deepest...Read More »
42 of 92 | Posted by: Bruce & Debbie Deal - Archdale, NC

“It has been a long time since we have seen each other. Mel Chilton called me and told me what happened. I am so sorry and extend my sincere...Read More »
43 of 92 | Posted by: Mary Kay Creech - Hubert, NC

“Our condolences to your family and heartfelt appreciation for all Michael did in support of the Clayton HS Band program. Although he has left to be...Read More »
44 of 92 | Posted by: Clayton HS Band Boosters - NC

“Micheal Foy Smith, you were like a brother to me. You were the greatest man i have ever met, and probably will be the greatest man i ever meet. I'm...Read More »
45 of 92 | Posted by: Travis Mark Warren - NC

“Kelly, I was deeply saddened when I learned of Michael's passing. I pray God will comfort you and give you strength during this time. May the...Read More »
46 of 92 | Posted by: Warren Grimes - Smithfield, NC

“Emily, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Anita ”
47 of 92 | Posted by: Anita R. Culbreth - New Bern, NC

“Michael you will be missed! You were such a great guy who was all about living life to the fullest and being happy and motivating others to do the...Read More »
48 of 92 | Posted by: Karla Tovar-Moser - clayton, NC

“Dear Andrew and Katie, Please accept Pam and my deepest sympathies on the loss of Michael. We pray that the Lord will stengthen you and your...Read More »
49 of 92 | Posted by: Mike Preib - Huntersville, NC

“Michael you will be greatly missed in the Clayton community! Your love for everyone was so apparent in how you lived each day, helping any...Read More »
50 of 92 | Posted by: Dale Matthews - Clayton, NC

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family - I thoroughly enjoyed working fundraiser events with Michael. He had a heart of gold and was...Read More »
51 of 92 | Posted by: Keith Blackley - Clayton

“We were so sad to hear Michael had passed away. We thank God for allowing us to see him in the restaurant. We felt so welcomed every time we dined...Read More »
52 of 92 | Posted by: Raymond and Sue Henley - Claytob, NC

“Emily, I am sorry to hear of your loss. ”
53 of 92 | Posted by: brian willis - Charlotte, NC

“I didn't know Michael as well as most here, but for the few months I worked at Zaxby's it was impossible not to notice how giving, hard-working and...Read More »
54 of 92 | Posted by: Natalie Brickell - Clayton, NC

“I really didn't know you personally but met at the wrestling shows in Clayton..I'm a photographer working with NCWA..thanks for your support of real...Read More »
55 of 92 | Posted by: Wayne C. Culler - Burlington, NC

“Emily, So sorry for such a tremendous loss. I can't imagine the "hole in your heart" but I pray you find comfort from God and in the wonderful...Read More »
56 of 92 | Posted by: Lynn Manchester - Surfside Beach, SC

“You were an amazing person and a true inspiration. ”
57 of 92 | Posted by: Misheala DiDonato - Clayton, NC

“Emily, I was so sorry to hear of Michael's death. I know you are so proud of his accomplishments during his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with...Read More »
58 of 92 | Posted by: Kitty Pendleton Martin - NC

“Make & Beth, so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. May GOD give the family comfort in your time of loss. ”
59 of 92 | Posted by: Gary & Diane Davison - NC

“Mike, Beth and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. We are praying for all of you. Wish we could be there to worship with you and celebrate...Read More »
60 of 92 | Posted by: Raven & Michael Latham - FL

“I remember when I first met Mike. As co-workers we became tight. During his families dark time we all must remember somewhere Mike is looking down...Read More »
61 of 92 | Posted by: Sonja Smith - smithfield, NC

“Sorry just doesn't seem to be adequate in this case. We are praying for Michael' family and the Zaxby's family. Clayton merchants have a big hole...Read More »
62 of 92 | Posted by: LaVern Carter - Clayton, NC

“So sorry to hear of this young mans passing. What a gentle giant he was to the Clayton community. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and...Read More »
63 of 92 | Posted by: Jeannie Rhodes - Clayton, NC

“Man you know its hard for me money mike..we had a long journey through out zaxby's six years together not only where we co- workers. we became close...Read More »
64 of 92 | Posted by: marcus dobbin - smithfield, NC

“Mikey aka Nubby was a great guy, always had a smile on his face and made always made me laugh. My thoughts and prayers with the Smith family. RIP my...Read More »
65 of 92 | Posted by: Jennifer - Archdale, NC

“How do I say goodbye to what we had?  The good times that made us laugh  Outweigh the bad.  And I'll take with me the memories To be my...Read More »
66 of 92 | Posted by: Eddie Ruffin - Garner, NC

“I will always remember the good times Mikey. You were always a great friend and I will never foget you buddy. Praying for your family. ”
67 of 92 | Posted by: Barry Roberts - Whitsett, NC

“We are friends of Mike and Beth from Colonial Country Club. Your family will be in our prayers during this difficult time. Carole and Dickie Hastings ”
68 of 92 | Posted by: Carole Hastings - Kernersville, NC

“Michael was like a son to Norwood and I. We loved him in that way. His generosity is unsurpassed. His contributions to 'Serve the Need in Johnston...Read More »
69 of 92 | Posted by: Norwood and Kristin Williams - NC

“Michael was a self less man that always looked out for others he was a loving husband and father. He will truly be missed by everyone's life that he...Read More »
70 of 92 | Posted by: Traci Medina - Clayton, NC

“When Michael came to live with Emily and me, early on, I can definitely say there was never a dull moment. But that could be said about practically...Read More »
71 of 92 | Posted by: Reid Garrett - Fuquay Varina, NC

“It was my privilege to serve on the Johnston Community College Foundation with this fine and generous young man that gave so much. He was a special...Read More »
72 of 92 | Posted by: Dr. and Mrs. Griffin David Lockett - NC

“Michael was one of the most generous and caring people....a legend in the Clayton Community. God Bless his wife and children. Thank you Smith family...Read More »
73 of 92 | Posted by: West Clayton Elementary PTSO - NC

“My thoughts and prayers are with you. I didn't know Mike very well but he always had a smile on his face and he was a great friend to my daughter...Read More »
74 of 92 | Posted by: Robin Hartgrove - rockingham, NC

“Michael you were a inspiration to us all. You always had a smile and made us laugh constantly. Your giving a 110 percent to everything you did is...Read More »
75 of 92 | Posted by: Kim Cregan - Clayton, NC

“I never saw a sad face on this delightful human being. Many laughs were shared with Michael and Kelly the short time that I knew them. My prayers are...Read More »
76 of 92 | Posted by: Rebecca Williams - Cary, NC

“My family is praying for your family. No one can understand the pain you must be feeling. If thier is ever anything I can do for you don't hesitate...Read More »
77 of 92 | Posted by: Brett Parkis - Clayton, NC

“Mikey aka "Nubby" was ALWAYS wearing a smile!! Never had a cross word against anyone, always lighting up a room he entered. Its been a while since...Read More »
78 of 92 | Posted by: Wesley Crowson - Archdale, NC

“Mike was not only my boss since i was 16 years old, but a great friend of mine. I never thought I would have such a great relationship with my boss....Read More »
79 of 92 | Posted by: Kaleb Smith - Clayton, NC

“I remember growing up with Micheal as a child and threw my teenage years.We shared a lot of wonderful memory's together and learned many lessons of...Read More »
80 of 92 | Posted by: Dustin Lowe - Farmer, NC - Friend

“Kelly, working 'traffic' with you at the Triathlon allowed me to learn first hand what wonderful people, parents, and citizens you two are. My heart...Read More »
81 of 92 | Posted by: Neal Davis - Rotarian

“I got to know Michael through our association with Serve The Need in Johnston County. I did not know him very well but I do know that his heart for...Read More »
82 of 92 | Posted by: Peter Perrino - Clayton, NC

“Kelly and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Eventhough we are neighbors, we got to know Michael at the monthly car shows...Read More »
83 of 92 | Posted by: Joe and Kathy Rigert - Clayton, NC

“Kelly, May you find comfort in God and the wonderful memories from your life together! You and the kids are in our prayers. ”
84 of 92 | Posted by: David Sanderford - clayton, NC

“Michael Smith was an amazing person-- a true community supporter! Couldn't have ask for a more generous and caring person. Enjoyed stopping by the...Read More »
85 of 92 | Posted by: Raquel Williams - Clayton, NC

“Customer, friend, business associate. Michael you truly were a blessing to all that knew you. I can't think of many that have done as much for their...Read More »
86 of 92 | Posted by: Steve Matthews - Clayton, NC

“Kelly and Family, We are Amy Peake's parents. We don't know if you remember us or not but we wanted to let you know that our heart's ache for you....Read More »
87 of 92 | Posted by: Martha and David Kwasniewski - NY

“Kelly and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family. Much love, Vickie & Tim Renfrow ”
88 of 92 | Posted by: Vickie Renfrow - Wendell, NC

“I still remember hanging out with michael in the back lockerroom at NCWA Pro Wrestling in Clayton! Will miss him alot! RIP Michael. You will never be...Read More »
89 of 92 | Posted by: Cody Purish - benson, NC

“I am very sorry to see such a great person leave us so early in life. Michael was a great friend and I thought the world of him. My prayers are with...Read More »
90 of 92 | Posted by: Dee Carter - Clayton, NC - Friend

“Saying prayers for Kelly and the family. Michael, as a fellow Rotarian, wanted to always serve the community, and he was remarkable in his ability...Read More »
91 of 92 | Posted by: Sherry Harris - Smithfield, NC

“Mike, you will be missed by Tyler, Patrick, Frank and myself. It was a wonderful gift to have you in our lives. ”
92 of 92 | Posted by: Karen DeVoid - Clayton, NC


Michael Foy Smith, age 31, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 10, 2012 at his home.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Michael 2:00 PM Monday, August 13, 2012 in the Chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home with Reverend Danny Copley officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
Michael was a native of Surry County and the son of Emily Clark of Mt. Airy and Michael Herman Smith of Trinity. He was the owner and operator of Zaxby's in Clayton and Smithfield and received the Clayton Chamber of Commerce Business of the year award in 2011 and also the Smithfield Chamber of Commerce Business of the year award in 2011. He was involved with the Johnston Community College "Performance of the Arts", Relay for Life, Clayton Rotary Club, YMCA of Johnston County, Serve the Need, Boy Scouts of America, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, St. Baldrick's, Clayton Downtown Development Association, Clayton Area Ministries, Partnership for Children of Johnston County, Pretty In Pink, Lovely Ladies, and the American Legion. He was a fund raiser for almost every school and church in Johnston County and supported the local police and fire department.
In addition to his parents, Michael is survived by his wife, Kelly Stamps Smith; daughter, Hailey Kate Smith; son, Jacob Michael Smith; half-brother, Andy Milford Smith; half-sister Kelly Smith Amos; and many extended family members and friends.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2:00 PM, Monday, August 13, 2012 at the funeral home prior to the service.
Memorials contributions to honor Michael's life may be made to the donor's choice.
On-line condolences may be made at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com or at the Michael Smith memorial page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/Zaxbysclayton
McLaurin at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations is assisting the Smith family.