Max Carroll Smith, 77, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Born in Burke County, he was the son of Gravis Smith and Beulah Hawkins Smith. Carroll was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, although in recent years he attended Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Being second to youngest of seven children, he was big on personality and a bit mischievous. Always fun loving, he was also a kind and gentle soul. Never meeting a stranger, he had many friends and was loved by all.
Carroll was a hard worker and jack-of-all-trades. He retired from the elevator industry. Over the course of his life, he drove long-haul transfer trucks, worked for the NCDOC, operated grading equipment, and installed swimming pools, just to name a few of his occupations.
His greatest accomplishment is the legacy he leaves through the impact he made on his family of which he was so proud. He loved big and will be sorely missed.
Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Nola Wood Smith; children, Tonya Dowdle (John), April Mayfield (Shane), Nicky Shook (Ritchie), and Brian Neaves; grandchildren, Jacob Mayfield (Alex), Landry Harris (Josh), Jared Dowdle (Maddy), Avery Dowdle (Rayanna), Connor Larmore, Victoria Larmore, Kaiya Neaves, Arianna Neaves, Mackenzie Neaves, Olivia Chatman, Cole Chatman, and Ariel Shook; great-grandchildren, Hayden Mayfield, Lindsay Mayfield, Waylon Harris, and Russell Mayfield; sisters, Mattie Poteat, Edith Riles, and Ruth Brittain (Bart), and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Earl Smith, Frances Goins, and Gerald Smith.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2024 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Don Denton and Rev. Randy Clark officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I knew Carroll when he was my shift Lieutenant at Western Correctional Center; he was the first person I met when I started work there in 1978. He was a very professional and personable man. I saw him many years later when I actually had him as a patient when I worked at Catawba Valley MC. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing, may he Rest in Eternal Peace.
A classmate, a high school friend and friend for life. A fun loving personality. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Carr, was a old friend and great guy. Knew him for over 40 years. Always willing to help and with a smile. Will be missed. Take care buddy. chuck & Barbara Parris
Deepest sympathy.
Nola and family, What a treasure you had in Carroll! Such a wonderful, sweet husband, dad and papaw. He was always so cheerful and fun to talk to and could do anything. My family feels blessed to have known such a fine friend. Please reach out to us if you are in need of anything and anytime. Greg and Sharon Hughes
My condolences to the family of Max Carroll Smith ( The Burr Fox) Carroll and I logged more mile than I care to count. We played, fought , and loved one another like only true brothers can. I consider it and honor and a privilege to have had a second brother of his caliber. Carroll had a heart of gold, mind of extreme knowledge and a back of steel. He would be a prime example for a young man or Lady to pattern their lives after. He lead a simple life with a complicated mind set. I'm a better man for having been close enough to know him , those late nights ,long miles there was a lot of philosophy and prophesy flying around that old truck. (Be proud young people you come from good stock) Wayne Suttle
