Eugene McKenzie "Mac" Smith Jr.

Eugene McKenzie Smith, Jr. “Mac” of Chadbourn, passed away on Jan. 18, 2025 at his home from natural causes. Mac was born May 15, 1941 and was 83 years old.

Mac Smith was a lifelong learner, avid reader, musician, and prolific hobbyist, a true renaissance man! He had many interests including photography, cooking/baking, gardening, soap making, collecting antiques, but he especially enjoyed music and taught himself to play several instruments. He loved the arts and spent much of his life supporting local musicians and theatres as a sound and lighting technician and patron. 

He was committed to education and studied at several institutions including Campbell University, and Southeastern Community College. He earned a Bachelor's degree in education from The University of NC at Pembroke and a Masters degree from Appalachian State University. He taught and managed programs at Isothermal Community College and Southeastern Community College in radio and television production. He was the originator and producer for many years of the SCC's local television channel, Educable.

Mac loved animals, especially dogs and horses. He was preceded in death by his little soulmate, Dottie dog, and survived by Jack and Fred. His love of animals began as a boy growing up on his family’s farm in Western Prong. He spent his early adult life as a farmer as well!

Mac is survived by a brother, Richard K “Rick” Smith of Whiteville; daughters Amie Smith Love (Eugene) of Columbus,OH, Courtney Smith of Forest City, Karen Smith Linder of Charleston; and grandchildren, Clayton Hollifield, Melissa Linder, William Phillips III, Clara and Gabriel Love; and a great grandchild Copelyn Hollifield. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene M. Smith, Sr. and Viola Elam Smith, his sister in Law Mary Francis Smith, and Nephew Richard K Smith, Jr. 

Service will be held Sunday, January 26, 2pm at Bladenboro Chapel of Bladen-Gaskins 800 N Main St. Bladenboro.  The family will receive friends after the Memorial Service. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Columbus County Animal Shelter, 288 Legion Drive, Whiteville, NC 28472.