Mr. Davis Soloum “DD” Smiling Jr. was born on January 26, 1987 and departed this life on April 17, 2026, in Scotland County at the age of 39. He is the son of Mr. Michael and Mrs. Denise Hope Locklear of the home and Davis Soloum Smiling of Maxton.

DD was a person of many virtues, known for captivating and inspiring all who knew him. He had a natural way of empowering those around him, always ready to teach, lead, and show up when it mattered most. From a young age, he was an outdoor enthusiast who loved fishing and proudly earned his Eagle Scout rank under the guidance of his father, Michael, who served as his Scoutmaster. Throughout his life, he was a hardworking jack of all trades, skilled as a mechanic, electrician, and chef. While he worked tirelessly with his hands, his greatest accomplishment was the place he held in the hearts of others, especially the children who looked up to him as their hero. Though his hands are now at rest, the strength, wisdom, and love he poured into others will live on.

He was preceded in death by his mother whom he loved dearly, Denise Hope Locklear of Maxton; his grandparents, Lester and Bertha Smiling of Maxton, William and Mary Oxendine of Maxton, and Rencil and Adrene Locklear of Pembroke; his sister, Teresa Gail Heaton Locklear of Maxton; his nephews, Eric Heaton and Deron Heaton of Laurinburg; his uncles William Daniel Oxendine of Georgia and Terry Delane Locklear of Pembroke; and his aunts Marjie Joanne Smiling of Maxton and Pamela Jean Locklear of Maxton.

He leaves to cherish his memory his father Michael Locklear of Maxton and his paternal father Davis Soloum Smiling of Maxton. He is also survived by his brother, Marcus Smiling of Maxton; his sisters, Jessica Leigh Edwards of Shallotte, Kerston Tate Locklear of Maxton, and Mikayah Rhianna Locklear of Maxton; his uncle Delton Locklear of Maxton; his aunts Debbie Anne Thompson (Marshall), Sibyl Zena Oxendine (Jessie Lee), Teresa K. Smiling, and Jane Locklear of Maxton; and Carlene Locklear of Pembroke. 

He is further survived by his nephews, Jameson Smiling, Rylan Heaton, Eric Heaton, Isaiah Eller, Bradley Keener, Zachary Keener, and Rhetlee Kinlaw; his nieces, Jayde Keener and Selena Heaton; and his beloved nephews of the home, Justin Keith, Jordan Avion, and Justice Kai Blue, whom he loved as his own and served as a father figure. He also leaves his chosen brothers Cory and River Locklear.