Derris Hayworth “Buck” Smith, age 94, went home to meet his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 15, 2026 peacefully at his home.  He was born on April 5, 1932 in Forsyth County, a son of the late Curtis Ray and Annie Hayworth Smith.  Buck proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army.  Buck was a long-time faithful member of Samaritan Baptist Church, joining in 1968 and serving as a Deacon, Treasurer, and music leader. A builder by trade he helped construct the Samaritan church’s new sanctuary and fellowship hall and lovingly built his daughters’ first homes.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Rachel Weavil Smith; granddaughter, Christina Leigh Swaim; son-in-law, Ronald Lee Swaim; and several siblings.

Surviving to forever cherish his memory are his two daughters, Sharon Swaim and Ronda King (Johnny) both of Winston-Salem; three sisters, Jean Clodfelter, Vickie Rothrock (David), and Linda Murray; four grandchildren, Marissa Griggs (Brandon), Justin Swaim (Sarah), Brandon Swaim (Casey), and Christopher Swaim (Michelle); six great-grandchildren, Levi Swaim, Lynnley Swaim, Sawyer Swaim, Samuel Swaim, Wilder Griggs, and Wesley Swaim due in September.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Samaritan Baptist Church with Pastor Danny Smith and Rev. Brandon Wolfe officiating.  Interment will follow the service at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the church, 4800 Reid Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27107.  The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Buck’s caregivers, Donna, Joy, and April, and the staff at Trellis Supportive Care. With Buck’s dedication to his craft and the desire for God’s work to continue, memorial gifts may be directed to the New Building Fund at Wallburg Baptist Church, 5341 Wallburg Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27107.