Graham Wesley Smith, III

Following a very long but incredibly brave battle with early-onset Parkinson's Disease, lifelong Wilson resident Graham "Gray" W. Smith III, 70, passed away on September 13, 2026. Gray was born on November 12, 1955, the only son of the late G.W. and Maxine Smith. From the day he was born, Gray brought great joy to all who shared in his life. He attended Fike High School, where he was a letterman in football and wrestling. He was also a school bus driver, a responsibility he took very seriously, getting up early each school day to make sure his bus was warm and clean for the elementary school students. After graduating from Fike in 1974, he briefly attended Appalachian State University and joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He returned to Wilson to help his parents operate Smith Transfer, Inc., the family business that endured for 80 years. He started with the company as a long-haul driver, progressed to dispatcher, and became president after the sudden death of his father in 1985.

Even as child, Gray embraced each day with enthusiasm and inquisitiveness and was always ready for new experiences. His curiosity took him on many journeys. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends, attending sporting events, contributing to the community life of Wilson, and relaxing at home. He loved history and was an avid reader, especially the history of the confederacy, the American West, and World War II.

Gray dedicated himself to making Wilson a better place. He was an Elk, a Mason and a Shriner and contributed generously to the Middlesex Children's Home and the Shriners' Hospital for Children. He cared deeply about the welfare of the employees of Smith Transfer and always tried to give a helping hand to the less fortunate with whom he crossed paths.

Parkinson's Disease is a relentless, merciless foe, but Gray endured years of pain and suffering with courage, dignity, and a tenacious grip on life. He. never gave up and was steadfast in his devotion to his family.

He is survived by his son Patrick Smith, Patrick's wife Crystal and their children, Audrey, Colt, and Caleb, and by his sister Joy Smith.

Gray's family is grateful to the many caregivers who assisted him during his long illness and especially wishes to thank Patricia and Chima Irechukwu and the staff of Bethesda Family Care in Clayton for their dedicated, compassionate care over the last four years.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026 at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson.

The family will receive friends Friday prior to the service from 1 – 1:45 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.