Bryan Robert Smith Jr. passed away peacefully following several months of declining health. Born to Bryan Robert Smith, Sr. and Jacqueline Bennett Smith on the first day of spring, March 21, 1947, he grew to become an outstanding pillar of service to his church, family, community, and friends.
Bryan instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren, always emphasizing the importance of doing one’s best, whatever the task. He was deeply loved by his family, friends, and customers. He held many leadership roles and served as Sunday School Director and a deacon at Friendship Baptist Church.
Bryan is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn; his children, Sonya (Alan) and Andy (Ashley); and his grandchildren: Clay and Cooper; Bella (Alan), Tucker, and Tim, Nate, and Drew. He is also survived by his siblings, Sam (Orbie) and Leanne (Gary); his sister-in-law, Barbara, partner of his late brother Joe, and her family; along with nieces, nephews, and extended family in the Kannady, Kirwin, Smith, Bennett, and Hughes families. Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, Bryan and Jacqueline, and his brother, Joe.
He lived his life joyfully and faithfully, maintaining his sense of humor and good spirit even during illness.
His family is forever grateful for the prayers and acts of kindness shown during his illness from his many dear friends and the care and compassion provided by the doctors, nurses, and staff in the Neuroscience Department of Novant Hospital in Wilmington and Supply, NC.
A Celebration of Bryan’s life is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Brunswick Funeral Service Shallotte Chapel (5229 Ocean Hwy West, Shallotte, NC 28470) officiated by the Reverend Mark Register. Burial will follow in the Brunswick Memorial Gardens. The family is honored to have Matthew Hughes, Chuck Craig, Damon Kirwin, Dave Tripp, Chris Floyd, and Caleb Long serve as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers are his classmates from the Waccamaw High School Class of 1965.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to Friendship Baptist Church for the Defibrillator Fund, 2546 Ash Little River Road NW, Ash, NC, 28420.
Be the first to comment