Duran Barron Smith, lovingly known as “Smitty,” 53, passed away unexpectedly at home on July 31, 2025, with his wife and beloved dogs Ariel and Maddie by his side.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Noe-Brooks Funeral Home of Morehead City with Military Honors. The family will receive friends following the service. In true Smitty fashion, he asked that no one wear black; instead, come in your brightest, most colorful clothing, and if you really want to honor him, funky socks, crazy Crocs and a favorite baseball cap are highly encouraged. He was not afraid to die, and his wish was that friends and family gather not in sorrow, but in joy – to laugh, share stories, and celebrate the good times. Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net. Flowers accepted or contributions can be made to Misplaced Mutts (https://www.misplacedmutts.com) or to Believe Stroke Recovery Foundation (https:// believesrf.org/give). Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.
He was born in Jackson and grew up in Finger where his strong sense of purpose and resilience began to take shape. He left home to begin a distinguished career in the United States Air Force that would span the globe and multiple roles over more than two decades of dedicated service.
He began his military journey as a Military Police Officer before becoming a Military Working Dog Handler, later rising to Military Working Dog Supervisor. His unwavering commitment to protecting others led him to his final military role as an Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) Agent. He retired as a Master Sergeant from the USAF but continued to serve the country he loved in a civil servant position with the US Government – first as a Counterintelligence Analyst, then as a Special Agent with Federal Investigative Services.
After stepping away from federal service, Duran embraced a slower pace of life filled with purpose and new beginnings. He devoted his time to “honey-do” lists, helping neighbors, volunteering, fishing, boating and playing with his dogs. He had a deep love for nature – always finding time to hike, camp, kayak and sit quietly at sunrise to watch wildlife. Those peaceful moments meant the world to him.
He was quick-witted, loved talking to people and had a sharp sense of humor that could light up a room. Though he was a private man, if you were one of his people, he would go to the ends of the earth for you. He endured many serious health challenges, including cancer, seizures and a massive stroke, yet faced them all with grit, courage and remarkable grace. He never let illness define him. His favorite motto after his stroke was: “Don’t let the hard days win.”
He was a man of faith who attended One Harbor Church where he found a renewed sense of love, community and support through his relationship with Jesus Christ and the fellowship of his brothers and sisters in Christ who stood by him and prayed for him through his final years.
Though Duran is no longer physically with us, the strength, laughter, and love he gave so freely will echo in the lives of all who knew him.
He is survived by his biggest fan and devoted wife, Kimberly Brooke Smith of Emerald Isle, N.C.; two sisters, Angela (Chris) Scott of Henderson and Paula (Kevin) Fowler of Fairview; three nephews, Kyle Scott of Plantation, Fla., Dylan Fowler of Fairview and Christian Hoyle of Greenville, S.C.; two nieces, Hadleigh Hoyle and Savannah Hoyle, both of Greenville, S.C.; and one great-nephew, Grayson Fowler of Fairview.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Danny B. Smith and Susie Elizabeth Smith.
