Mr. Nathan Virnell Smiling, 60, of Saint Martinville, LA, departed this life on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026. He was born July 12, 1965, to Virnell and Liza (Modie) Smiling in Scotland County, NC.

He was preceded in death by both his parents, 4 siblings, Tony Lee Smiling, Billie Joe Smiling, Paul Smiling, and Anita Faye Locklear, 1 son Chad Elliot Clark and 1, grandson Graceson Wayne McNeill.

He is survived by his 2 daughters, Natashia M. Smiling and Kemeckia D. Smiling, 3 grandchildren, Haley K. Wilkins, Holly R. Collins, and Harold Collins Jr., 4 great-grandchildren, and 5 sisters, Krecia Brayboy, Jeanette Bryant, Tabitha Smiling, Kimberly Locklear, and Jane Chavis and a host of nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

He was a man of many skills with never meeting a stranger and lending a hand (even if he didn't have the strength to give it), being his greatest ones. This is a devastating loss that spans states wide. His entire community in Louisiana as well as Robeson County will mourn the loss of this gentle soul for an insurmountable time to come.