Dana Gibson Smith III

Dana Gibson Smith III, 23, of Raleigh, NC, died on Thursday, June 9. Gibson was born May 25, 1993, in Raleigh a beloved son to parents Kelley Cox Smith and Dana Gibson Smith, Jr. He graduated from Apex High School in 2011 as an honor roll student and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with honors from North Carolina State University in 2015. Gibson was employed at Cisco Systems as a project manager.

While at NC State, Gibson was an active member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. A talented tennis player, he served as captain of Apex High School’s tennis team and was voted most valuable player in 2011. Gibson was a gentle soul who cared for animals, whether turtles, frogs, cats or his golden retriever Charlie. He loved the outdoors and spent many happy times with family and friends by the water – such as boating with his grandfather Big D, fishing with his Uncle Dixon, hitting the tennis ball with his grandfather Papa Ray, and playing with his cousins at the beach, especially in his beloved Weekapaug. Gibson’s ready smile and warm embrace will be missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Gibson is survived by his parents, Dana and Kelley (Cox) Smith of Cary; his brother, Zach Smith of Raleigh; his grandparents Dana and Mary Smith of Greensboro, and Ray and Mariana Cox of Greensboro; Aunts and Uncles, Dixon and Madeleine Smith; Landis and Jim Best; and Lawrence and Joanna Cox; and his six cousins who adored him, Lucy, Teddy, James, Colter, Mary, and Eliza.

A celebration of Gibson’s life will be held on Sunday, June 12 at 3pm at Apex Baptist Church, Pastor John Mark Harrison officiating. A visitation period with family is scheduled for 1:30 – 2:30 prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Gibson’s honor be made to the Humane Society of the United States or a charity of your choice.

“Good-night, sweet prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Arrangements under the direction of Apex Funeral Home, Apex, North Carolina.