Edgar James (Junior) Smith, Jr., age 78, of Nancy Mountain, Rosman, North Carolina passed away the morning of October 2, 2023. He was born to the late Edgar James Smith, Sr. and the late Oma Queen Smith. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Harold Smith.

Junior enjoyed spending time with his family, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.   He also enjoyed being outdoors, bear hunting with his friends, fishing or cheering on his grandchildren in all their endeavors and enjoying every hotdog stand.

He was an active member of his church, Rocky Bottom Baptist located in Rocky Bottom, South Carolina where he enjoyed singing and playing guitar for worship services.  Junior retired from Ecusta Paper Mill in Brevard, North Carolina after 42 years of service.   He proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard Reserves.

Junior is survived by his loving wife of thirty years, Arlene Smith; a brother Jimmy Smith of Rosman and a sister Francis Owen also of Rosman; his children Tony Smith (Sharon); Tammy Smith (Jeff Lucker); Amy Briggs (Jimmy); Shannon Phillips (Kimberly); and Wayne Orr (Ashley); fourteen grandchildren Lexy, Kara, Shantel, Weston, Gracy, Ethan, Riley, Ashlyn, Isaiah, Gracie, Hayden, Abbee, Sassy, and Maddy.   He is also survived by four great-grandchildren Easton, Emberlyn, Hazel and Haskel in addition to many nephews, nieces, and many beloved friends.   He was lovingly called "Paw Junior" by many who came to know him.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Saturday October 7, 2023, in the chapel of Moody- Connolly Funeral Home in Brevard, North Carolina. The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 1pm. Pallbearers: Billy Angel, Dennis McCall, Gracy Briggs, Jeff Luker, Jerry Meeks, Shannon Phillips, Wayne Orr, and Weston Luker. Honorary Pallbearers Ray and David Petit, Jimmy Briggs, and Easton Parris.  Burial will follow at Mount Moriah on Calvert Road Brevard, North Carolina.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.