Ithal Craven Smith, Jr.

Ithal Craven “Ikey” Smith, Jr., 67, of Fayetteville passed away Friday, October 31, 2014 peacefully in his home with his family by his side after a lengthy illness.  

Born February 16, 1947, Mr. Smith was a Fayetteville native.  He attended Fayetteville Senior High and completed his education after joining the U.S. Navy at the age of 17.  Mr. Smith received numerous awards and accolades during his nine years of service and was named “Mr. Personality” due to his captivating smile and affable disposition.

Working by his father’s side in the dry cleaning business at a young age, Mr. Smith returned to the family business, Smitty’s Cleaners, after his discharge from the U.S. Navy.  Embracing a strong work ethic, his entrepreneurial spirit evolved as he pursued a variety of additional business ventures.  These included Smitty’s Antiques, Smitty’s Jean Joint and Clothiers, Chrome Bar and Grill, Craven Pizza, Chrome Cycles, and the development and management of several commercial rental properties.  Mr. Smith and his family owned and operated Smitty’s Cleaners after his father’s passing in 1983 until 2007.  He supported his community in numerous ways through his business ventures.  For example, he collected, dry cleaned and donated hundreds of coats to needy children, provided free Sunday lunches to the residents of the Veterans Nursing Home, and sponsored many charities over the years.

Although fond of hard work, his enthusiasm, sincere smile, and quick wit were not only contagious, but also became his trademark throughout life.  He had a love of nature and enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf and taking long rides on his motorcycle.  He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend; he will be dearly missed.

His parents, Ithal Craven “Smitty” Smith, Sr. and Ruby Smith Westmoreland, preceded Mr. Smith in death.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Joyce Widener Smith; son, Ithal Craven (Tommy) Smith, III; daughter, Samantha Joyce Smith Kozak and husband, Crow (Doug); a sister, Victoria Champion and husband, Dr. Darl H., Sr., all of Fayetteville; a brother, William (Chip) Smith and wife, Patty, of White Oak; a sister, Robin Howard and husband, Albert, of Oak Ridge; grandchildren, Ithal Craven (Trey) Smith, IV and Lacy Victoria Smith, both of Fayetteville; and numerous special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  His loyal companion, Millie, a Labrador retriever, also survives him.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3, 2014 in Rogers and Breece Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Gary Strickland officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to Falcon Children's Home, PO Box 39, Falcon, NC 28342.

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