Subsequently, he attended Wake Forest University School of Law, where he graduated with honors in 1966.

The Smith family is active in the First Baptist Church of Clayton, where he has been a Sunday school teacher.

[2] Smith touts himself as a CEO, not a politician, who deals with "straight talk and a clear vision.

The office was coming open as a result of the departure of term-limited incumbent, Mike Easley.

After taking office in 2013, McCrory appointed Smith to the North Carolina Economic Development Board.