He is survived by his daughters Christal and Cierra Smith, his mother Dolly Bass, Sister, Amanda Smith, grandchildren Liam Howell and Ellie Jones. He enjoyed exploring the NC and VA mountains the last few years of his life. He had a love for Florida, living there for 20 years of his adult life, raising his children on the beautiful West Coast and visiting often after moving back to North Carolina.

He is preceded in death by his son Christopher Riley Smith, little brother William Murphy ‘Bill’ Vaughn lll, and father Gerald Eugene Smith.

Chris was loved by many and knew no strangers with his endless jokes giving a laugh to anyone around. He was a jeopardy champion and always said he had the Brain of an elephant.