William "Eddie" Smith

William Edward “Eddie” Smith, 85 of Stoneville, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Eden Rehabilitation and Health Care.

A funeral service will be held at 11am, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel in Eden with burial following at Stoneville Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4-6pm Monday, November 24, 2025, at Fair Funeral Home in Eden. The family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, Deborah Evans, 100 Bryant St, Stoneville, NC.

Eddie was born September 12, 1940, in Leaksville, NC, to the late John W. Smith and Mary C. Smith. He was a graduate of Stoneville High School, class of 1958. He attended Appalachian College for Business. Eddie served his community as a Stoneville Volunteer Firefighter and as an active member of the Stoneville Jaycees for many years.

Eddie spent his professional years as a sales representative for Kester Machinery in Winston Salem, NC. he later was the owner of W.E.S. Knits, Inc. in Eden in manufacturing. His greatest achievement was the formation of Venture Logistics, LLC. Eddie spent his later years renovating and leasing warehouse space in Stoneville, Mayodan, and Madison. He was passionate about improving the appearance and providing job opportunities in Rockingham County, a county that he loved dearly and felt truly blessed to be raised in.

Eddie enjoyed sports in high school and was a great baseball, football, and basketball player. His love of sports continued on watching any ballgame. He was an avid Wake Forest fan. He truly loved watching Ole’ Miss play, for both of his nephews went to Ole’ Miss and he was very proud of their accomplishments. He loved the farm on Priddy Loop, watching the seasons change and the animals he saw, especially the deer and the birds.

Eddie was a man of faith in the Lord, hardworking, devoted to his daughter and the rest of the Smith/Comer family. He loved family reunions, sharing talks and good meals. He loved spending time with Deb, horseback riding, having dinner and heart-to-heart talks and beach trips. Eddie loved class reunions and stayed close in touch with his classmates.

Surviving are his daughter, Deborah Smith Evans; sister, Nancy Craddock (Ron); nephews, David Craddock (Kappi), Ben Craddock (Hilary); lifelong soulmate, Vera K. Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Mary C. Smith; grandparents, Will and Cora Comer, Charles and Kate Smith; uncles, Harry Comer, Bill Comer, Clyde Comer; aunts, Pearl Frye, Frances Hayes, and Louise McCollum; son-in-law, Terry L. Evans.

A special thank you to Ancora Compassionate Care and Eden Rehabilitation and Health Care for their kindness and compassion during Eddie’s illness.

A heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, Diane, Jessica, and Vonda for their devoted care. To Donna, caregiver and friend for ten years, for her unfailing devotion and compassion to the Smith family.

Donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 300 E Main St, Stoneville, NC 27048 or Ancora Compassionate Care, PO Box 2150, Wentworth, NC 27375.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.