Carol Wright Smith, 79, of Hamlet, passed away Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.
She was born April 25, 1946 in Richmond County, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Marshall Woodrow Wright and Myrtle Ruth Wright Chalk.
Carol graduated from Hamlet High School, Class of 1964. She retired from BB&T after 43 years of dedicated service and also worked weekends at her family’s business, Hillside Florist. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Hamlet.
Carol cherished time spent with her family and found her greatest joy in being with her grandchildren and great-grandchild. She was known for her warm heart, her selfless nature, and her sweet spirit. She truly never met a stranger and loved to talk — often more than anyone else in the room — sharing stories, laughter, and encouragement wherever she went. She was often referred to as a “talking encyclopedia” of Richmond County, knowing everyone and everything. She also deeply loved animals and had a special soft spot for dogs, always showing compassion and care for any animal she encountered, often bringing them home. Her dog, Darla, was one of her great joys in life and went everywhere she went.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Hamlet, with Dr. Allison Farrah officiating. Burial will be private.
Surviving are her husband of 43 years, Gary Smith of Hamlet; daughters, Jennifer C. Smith (John Thompson) of Greensboro, Holly Smith Mabe (Keith Mabe) of Supply, and Torri Bailey of Wilmington; grandchildren, Penelope Thompson of Greensboro, Charlotte Bailey and Elizabeth Bailey, both of Wilmington, and Rebekah Mabe (Da’von Perkins) of Leland; and great-grandson, Mason Perkins of Leland. She is also survived by her siblings, Woody Wright of Chapel Hill, Jenny Thompson of Hamlet, and Chuck Wright (Sally) of Rockingham; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at the church prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the Richmond County Animal Shelter, 529 W. US 74 Hwy., Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Smith family.
