Verlon "Buddy" Edison Smith

Verlon Edison “Buddy” Smith died Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Charlotte following a long illness.

He was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, on June 21, 1938, to the late Belton and Nina Smith.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Juanita Houser Smith; his parents, Belton Ray and Nina Moses Smith; a brother, Alvin Paris Smith; and a son-in-law, David Stewart.

He is survived by his four children, Jeffrey Ray Smith (Cheryl) of Bolivia, N.C., Jacqueline Trigg (Preston) of Tampa, Fla.; Gia Womack (Chuck) of Dallas, N.C., Monica Stewart Agerton (Mike) of Gastonia; five grandchildren, Jared Smith and partner Carol Spencer of Belmont, N.C., William (Korina) and John “Jack” Trigg of Tampa, Caroline Womack Delgado (Christian) of Raleigh, N.C., and Bailey Stewart Waugh (Christopher) of Belmont; a great-grandchild, Eden Waugh; a brother, Terry Smith of Gastonia; a sister, Darlene Clark of Elkin and several nieces and nephews.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Buddy retired as a captain at the City of Gastonia Fire Department and was the founder and former owner of the I-85/321 Flea Market. After retirement, Buddy moved to River Run Plantation in Bolivia, N.C., where he loved fishing, watching his birds, and passing out his Christian business cards to everyone he met while talking about Jesus. This continued up until his death. At River Run, Buddy was beloved by his neighbors and became known as “Mr. Bud” for his loving and giving nature to all the community, especially the children, as he rode around the neighborhood in his golf cart festooned with patriotic and Christian decorations. Over the last days and months, the thoughts, prayers, and kind words from friends and family were a comfort to the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Hospice and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:00 pm in the chapel, with Pastor Joe Heffner officiating. Burial will be held after the service at Gaston Memorial Park in the Garden of Honor.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC, (704) 864-5144, is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com