Frank Stacy Smith III

Frank Stacy Smith of Asheville, North Carolina, died peacefully on Friday, January 19, 2024, after having being diagnosed only recently with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer. He was 82. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stacy Smith, Jr. Born March 9, 1941, in Asheville, Frank graduated from The Asheville School and went on to earn a degree in Applied Mathematics from North Carolina State University. Following a brief stent at Harvard Business School, Frank returned home and joined his cousin, Canie Smith, at Dr. T.C. Smith Company, which was founded in 1869 by their great, great-grandfather. Frank and Canie ran the business until its sale in 1992. In 1985, Frank founded Hunter Banks Company, the premier fly-fishing retail store in the region. Frank lived a full life pursuing his many passions which included fly fishing, shooting sporting clays, bird hunting, and NC State athletics. These pursuits led him to travel widely in the U.S. and around the world, where he made many good friends of all ages. Frank’s fly-fishing adventures first led him to Montana, but eventually to his beloved Argentina where he fished every winter for 37 years. Ever the angler, Frank fished all over the world including Alaska, New Zealand, Russia, the Bahamas, and England. In addition to fishing, Frank enjoyed shooting sporting clays both recreationally and competitively. He was recently recognized for shooting 50,000 registered competitive targets. During all of his many adventures, Frank was always open to helping others and was a mentor to many. Beyond his business and recreational passions, Frank was a member of the Rotary Club Downtown Asheville since 1967. He also held a position on the Trout Unlimited National Board of Directors for 12 years, as well as other civic endeavors. Frank is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Stephanie. He is survived by his sister, Beatrice Smith Maybank of Dalton, GA, cousin, Canie Smith (Lynn) of Asheville, niece, and nephew, Beverly Burgdorf (Davie) of West Point, VA, and Thomas Maybank (Liz) of Bluffton, SC, and Matias Aranguren (Paula) of San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. Frank’s desire was for a small family graveside service followed by a celebration and remembrance of his life to be held at Highland Brewery on April 6, 2024, at 5 pm. Frank and Stephanie set up the Frank S. Smith and Stephanie H. Smith Fund within the V Foundation. This fund goes toward pancreatic cancer research. Donations may made by visiting www.v.org and can be specified for the Frank S. Smith and Stephanie H. Smith Fund.

Tributes

Frank Stacy Smith III

March 9, 1941 - January 19, 2024