Eugene Craven Smith, 43, of Chadbourn went home to be with the Lord after a long and courageous battle with cancer in the afternoon hours of October 28, 2025. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Lindy Smith, aunts Rhonda Cain and Joy Nealy, and uncles Reverend Larry W. Cain Sr. and Mitchell Nealy.

Gene, as he was lovingly known, was the youngest son of George Brady Smith and Ann Nealy Smith of Chadbourn, devoted father to Craven Smith of Loris, SC, stepdad of Tucker and Maeleigh Bass, their mother Ashley Watts,  beloved grandson of Leo and Larrine Nealey of Chadbourn, brother of Kevin Smith (Amanda) of Chadbourn, nephew of  Mary Neal Furr (Lance), Marlene Love (Dennis),  John Wesley Smith (Angie), Alfred Smith , Vernon Nealy of Loris, SC, and Joyce Nealy of Molly, loving uncle of Jacob Smith (Gracen) of Loris, SC, Georgianna Smith (DJ) of Chadbourn, and Brantley Soles of Chadbourn, great uncle of Nora Kate Smith of Loris, SC and cherished family member and friend to a host of others.

Gene was born and raised on the family farm in Columbus County. Like most young men he enjoyed the country life, tractors, four wheelers, dirt bikes and backroads.  He was never afraid of adventure. He spent his childhood learning from his dad and "Pa Leo" all about hard work and dedication. He grew to love working with his hands, mechanics and understanding how things run and showed great skill in it. Following in his dad's footprints he ventured in a career in line work. He spent most of his life working the power lines until his health declined and he was forced to slow down.

His greatest accomplishment would come with the birth of his son, Craven. He became Gene's world. He was steadfast in caring for him, teaching him, and spending time with him no matter the physical challenges. He was determined that neither his past or his illness would define him and he would become the man God called him to be.

Philippians 3:13-14 reads, Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

Gene spent his remaining time in this life with a dedicated heart to the Lord, with determination and with true grit. He became that example of humility, a man of valor, and on Tuesday he received the victory. His shining smile, his sense of adventure, his witty sense of humor and his compassionate heart will be missed by all those that love him dearly. The battles are now over and he can rest forevermore.

Funeral service will be conducted on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Worthington Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mack Watts and Pastor Timothy Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow in the Ward Station Church of God Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Worthington Funeral Home.