Brian D. Smith

Brian D. Smith, age 63, of Hickory, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at his residence.

Brian was born Wednesday, April 22, 1959 in Portsmouth, England to Beryl Palmer Smith who lives in Salisbury, NC and the late Reg Smith. He was a graduate of Rowan High School, class of 1977 and earned a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University. Brian worked in sales at the Lorillard Tobacco Company for thirty years before his retirement. He enjoyed gardening, reading and displaying his artistic talent through his drawings.

In addition to his mother, those left to cherish fond memories are his wife of thirty-three years, Laura A. Smith; son, Brad Buff (Teasua) of Hickory; grandchildren, Claire Buff, Alex Buff, Bentley Buff, Brent Oxendine and Dalton Oxendine; sister, Lesley Turpin of Greenville, SC; brother, Philip J. Smith of China Grove, NC; brother-in-law, Charlie Bivens of Rutherford County; a host of nieces and nephews which includes nieces, Caroline Turpin (Sumner Allison) and Sarah Turpin. He is also survived by his faithful companion animal, Sophie Lisette Smith, who has been by his side throughout his retirement years.

The family will celebrate Brian’s life with a private ceremony of remembrance.

“Remember friends as you pass by as you are now, so once was I. As I am now so you must be, prepare yourself to follow me.”

(18th Century epitaph)

Memorial donations are requested to the American Humane Society, www.humanesociety.org