Clayton Lee Smith, Jr., lovingly known as Lee, of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, passed away on April 11, 2026.
Lee was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
He was an active member of First Christian Church. He was deeply loved and will always be remembered by his family and friends.
Lee was born in Northampton County to Barbara Leigh Howell Tanner and Clayton Lee Smith, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his in-laws, Linwood and Margaret Nixon, along with brother-in-law, Link Nixon and sister, Diane Hoffman.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Joyce Nixon Coats Smith; his children, Melissa Smith Giles (Hoyt), Stanley Bruce Coats, II (Kelly), Kristen Smith Pridgen (Randy), and Kara Smith Marks (Joe).
He was a proud grandfather to Bradley Barnes, Kaylee Gray (Blake), Jacob Batchelor, Mary Margaret Coats, Lauren Coats, Addison Coats, Avery Coats, Bryson Cullom, Easton Cullom, Adam Pridgen, Seth Pridgen, Caroline Pridgen, Jayde Marks, Brandon Giles (Stephanie), and Morgan Giles.
His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Kaedence Barnes, Bentley Gray, Clayton Gray, Kennedy Pridgen, Landon Giles, Stella Giles, Chloe Giles, Madison Giles, Caison Giles, Blaine Fox, and Susan Watkins.
He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Ann Simmons (Larry), Brenda Briggs, and Myrtle Smith; his brother, Alvin Davis; and his extended family, including Linda Erwin (Billy), Joan Selfridge, Marie Bearden, John Nixon (Rhonda), and Tracey Hedrick.
Lee also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
Lee proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Midway, where he traveled to San Francisco, Japan, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Philippines, and Alaska. Following his time in the service, he was employed at Research Triangle Park, Pine State, the Paper Mill, and Halifax Memorial Hospital before settling into a long career at the United States Postal Service until his retirement.
Lee was an avid UNC and NASCAR fan and had a deep love for the outdoors, especially hunting. He was also the State Bowling Champion and had a passion for motorcycles and old cars.
Known for having the greenest thumb in town, Lee found great joy in gardening and generously shared the vegetables he grew with friends, family, and members of the community.
Lee will be remembered for his love of family, his kindness, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew him.
His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to John Nixon and Mike Warren for their compassionate care and dedicated support.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on April 25, 2025 at First Christian Church, 836 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church, St. Jude’s, or Shriners Children's Hospital-Greenville, 950 W Faris Road, Greenville, SC, 29605.