09/20/2025
Franz “Duane” Smith, age 79, passed away on September 17, 2025. He was born on March 27, 1946, in Raleigh, to the late Clarence W. Smith and Ruby R***r Smith.
Left to cherish his memory is Duane’s beloved wife of 56 years, Dianne Smith; two daughters, Kimberly Smith-West and husband, Joseph West, and Jessica Michel and husband, Jason Michel; four grandchildren, Izabella Drogoszewski and fiancé, Don “Trey” Smith, Jacob West, Ruby Michel, and Molly Michel; and his treasured dog, Saddie Smith.
In addition to his parents, Duane was preceded in death by his sister, Diane McLemore.
Franz Duane Smith was a man of many names. No one who knew him personally would ever dare call him Franz; to everyone, he was Duane. To his family, he was known as brother, husband, papa, but most importantly, daddy. Daddy was the name he wore most proudly. Duane loved his family fiercely. He was a proud girl dad, the kind you would find coaching his daughter’s peewee cheerleading team. This devoted nature did not end with his daughters; it extended to his grandchildren as well. Any dance recital, soccer game, or play, he could make it to, he would be there, front row, cheering very loudly.
Duane graduated from High School in 1965. Following graduation, he served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After completing his service, he graduated from the University of South Carolina. Duane went on to excel in his career. By the time he retired (or “atired”, as his granddaughter Izabella would say) in 2006, he was the Deputy Director for Information Technology at the Department of Transportation. Outside of his career, Duane was an active member of the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC), where he served in several leadership positions, such as Treasurer and President.
Music ran in Duane’s blood; his father used to play guitar for the Grand Ole Opry. Duane had a vast guitar collection, and he never tired of playing them. If he wasn’t playing the guitar, then he was singing anywhere and everywhere. He made sure to pass this love of music on to the rest of his family, from taking them to concerts, to buying them instruments, or teaching them a chord on the guitar. By now, he has surely already joined the band in Heaven.
Duane’s happy place was his and Dianne’s beach house in Emerald Isle. He delighted in the simplest pleasures of being there, drinking coffee on the front porch with his wife, taking the dogs on long walks, teaching Izabella to drive the golf cart, watching his grandchildren swim in the pool that he worked so hard to maintain, eating really good seafood, fishing with Jacob, and enjoying the beach community he shared with his friends there. He basked in the serenity of being at the beach, where life was simply easier.
Duane was a devout Christian man, praying every day. He attended Bethlehem Baptist Church and was a dedicated member of his Sunday school class, where he made some of his greatest friendships and faithfully served. He also shared his love of music as a member of the church choir.
Duane’s infectious humor, outstanding hair that could survive any rainstorm, and his sweet and gentle nature will live on and remain in our hearts until he greets us again humming a tune with a blueberry cobbler in hand.
Funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm, Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8400 Poole Rd, Knightdale. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S Wilmington St, Raleigh.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).
Condolences to the family may be made at poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.
