Loyd Baxter Smith Jr., lovingly known as "Kip," was a wonderful husband, father, brother, son and friend. He died unexpectedly on June 2, 2023, at his home in Shelby, North Carolina.

Kip was the son of Rebecca Arey Smith and Loyd Baxter Smith. He grew up in Shelby and started his career at the early age of 13, working at the golf pro shop at Cleveland Country Club. Kip graduated from Shelby High School in 1979. He then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1983. His love for the Tar Heels was lifelong and March Madness was his favorite season.

On March 4, 1989, he married the love of his life, Robin Harry, at Shelby Presbyterian Church. Their wedding reception is one their friends and family still talk about today, a testament to how Kip loved to celebrate.

Following college, Kip became a financial consultant for Merrill Lynch in Wilson. After getting married, Robin and Kip moved to Charlotte. A true highlight of Kip's career was his time at Interstate in Charlotte, where he led the life insurance and annuities department. In this role, he advised more than 200 financial advisors who relied on his expertise to use life insurance and annuity products. Later, he was an executive for a financial firm headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.

After nearly 30 years, Kip retired from the financial industry, which allowed him to spend more time with family, including driving a ski boat on Moss Lake for his children. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to acquire the former Cleveland Mills site in 2009 alongside his great friend and business partner. They revitalized the property, brought new life to the town of Lawndale and started a business for industrial equipment sales.

Nothing gave Kip more joy than encouraging his children, and later his son-in-law, in their respective passions and careers. Whether it was cross country, horseback riding, fishing or golf, Kip loved what his children loved and never doubted their future successes. He was immensely proud of his family as they were of him.

Kip's greatest strength was loyalty. He enjoyed every day to the fullest and especially loved spending time with his "close circle" of friends, which was actually made up of countless people who loved him. Some of his favorite memories included traveling with family and friends, especially the trips that led him to ski slopes, sport fishing boats, golf courses, concerts and anywhere game birds flew.

Blowing Rock held a special significance in Kip's life, where he loved to spend time with family and friends, especially on the outside porch of their home, no matter the weather. The mountains also provided solace for Kip, a place for him to observe God's creation through mountain views and sunsets. Robin and Kip loved attending Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock, where they were affiliate members.

He knew the importance of giving back to his community. Robin and Kip graciously supported Destination Cleveland County, the Dover Foundation YMCA and other community organizations. He was a member of Elks Lodge #1709 and served for many years on the Board of Directors for HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County.

He is preceded in death by his father, Loyd Baxter Smith, and his infant daughter, Sarah.

He is survived by his beloved wife Robin, his children Baxter Smith, Wesley Smith Roberts and son-in-law Hayden. He is also survived by his mother Becky Smith; his sister Kim Burton and husband, Cecil; his brother Scott Smith and wife, Wendy; his brother Seth Smith; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Shelby Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 4 pm. A receiving of friends will follow in Ellis Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shelby Presbyterian Church (P.O. Box 1444, Shelby, North Carolina 28151) or Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church (P.O. Box 393, Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605).