Chad Smith

Chadrick Ray Smith, 55, of the Upper Crabtree Community, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 25, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.  A native of Haywood County, he was the son of Jimmy and Anna Lea Smith of Crabtree.  In addition to his parents, he is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 20 years, Susan Beck Smith; a  brother, Scott Smith and his wife Rachel; a nephew, Rayland Smith, of Crabtree; one brother-in-law, Steve Beck and his wife Paula; a nephew, Tyler Beck and his wife, Meagan; two great nephews: Brayden and Cash; two great nieces: Auburn and Ellie, all of Balsam; and an adoptive sister Bettina Graff, of Crabtree.  He was proceeded in death by his grandparents:   Willie and Pawnee Smith and Roy and Julia Rich; a beautiful niece, Eliza Ann Smith; and his in-laws, Arthur and Linda Beck.

Chad graduated from Tuscola High School in 1987 and went on to work for GE Aviation as a machinist for 34 years.  Chad loved the Lord and was a member of James Chapel Baptist Church.  He loved farming, football, NASCAR and horseback riding.  He was a member of the Backcountry Horsemen for many years.  Chad had so many great friends that were more like family, and they had supported him in his latter days.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at James Chapel Baptist Church with the Reverend Jeffery Moore and Reverend Lee Brooks officiating.  Burial will follow at Upper Crabtree Community Cemetery.   The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.  

The care of Mr. Smith has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.