Forrester "Chip" Clark Smith Jr. 65, of Garner, NC, passed away on December 4, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Forrester Clark Smith Jr., affectionately known as Chip. Born on February 5, 1960, in Boston, MA, he was the beloved son of the late Forrester Clark Smith and Harriet Sturgis Smith. He is also predeceased by his brother, Charles Russel Lowell Smith.

Chip was a devoted family man, cherished husband to Tracey W. Smith, and proud father to AJ Wypychoski and Amanda Smith. He is survived by his sister, Harriet (Bambi) Riegel, her husband Guy Riegel, as well as his in-laws, N. Jackie Marsala and Joe Marsala, and numerous nieces and nephews all of whom held a special place in his heart.

A man of many passions, Chip filled his days with gardening and cheering on his favorite teams, the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He celebrated 13½ years of sobriety, embracing life's simple pleasures—a good cigar, time spent with loved ones, and his vibrant collection of Hawaiian shirts. Chip was also known for the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks displays he proudly put on for his neighborhood.

He was a dedicated woodworking teacher who shared his talents with students at Brookwood School and The Carroll School. An avid traveler, Chip found great joy in family trips to Disney World and treasured his annual Caribbean vacations with his wife and friends. He especially loved the summers he spent in Maine during his youth with his family and many cousins.

Chip's academic journey began at Brookwood School, followed by the Dublin School, and later Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Over the years, he contributed his skills to Sikorsky Aircraft, Brookwood School, and many other academic institutions as well as Lowe's.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Chip. To honor his legacy, we invite you to wear a Hawaiian shirt to the memorial service.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Chip's life on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Montlawn Funeral Home from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Montlawn Funeral Home.

Chip's warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm for life will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left at www.montlawn.com. Montlawn Funeral Home & Cremations, of Raleigh is honored to serve the family of Forrester Clark Smith, Jr.