Kato Douglas Smith

Obituary For Kato Douglas Smith

Mr. Kato Douglas Smith, 70, died August 27, 2019. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Hargett Funeral Home in Greensboro, NC with family visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m. A public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at Hargett Funeral Home, 905 E. Market St. Greensboro, NC.

Kato Douglas Smith was born to Clarence Hill Smith, Sr. and Irene Williamson Smith Carraway on July 27, 1949 in Fayetteville, NC. He graduated from E.E. Smith High school Home of the Golden Bulls in 1967. After graduation he attended Saint Augustine’s College and later transferred to Elizabeth City State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Early Childhood Education as well as a minor in Art. He was a member of the fraternity Groove Phi Groove, Inc. He proudly wore hats and shirts with the signature colors of black and white. After graduation from Elizabeth City State University, Kato began his career as an educator. He worked for nearly a decade as a Social Studies teacher in Guilford County. He was loved by his students and oftentimes would be of help through mentorship and tutoring. During his time teaching in Guilford County, he met his wife, Vickie Smith. They married on September 19, 1981. Being a child of an entrepreneur and educator, he was inspired to teach as well as be his own boss. After much thought and prayer, he took a step out on faith and started (Kami-Katoya Associates) his own food truck catering business. He was a trailblazer with the food truck concept as food trucks are extremely popular today. After twenty years of entrepreneurship he retired from the catering industry. He leaves as his legacy three children: Ivy Katoya (Smith) Lassiter (Andre), Kami Smith Harris (Rodney), and Irene Nicole Smith. He also leaves to cherish his memory two siblings: Clarence H. Smith, Jr. and Eronomy Muhammad-Smith. Last, but not least, he leaves the next generation (his grandchildren): Aspen Kate Lassiter, Kamryn Rene Harris, and Rihanna Nicora Jaynise Foreman. He leaves behind, a loving wife Vickie Searcy Smith. His children remember him as a strong warrior and motivator with a good heart. He was also a great dancer and loved music. He was a lover of God and a man of strong faith in miracles and God making the impossible possible no matter the circumstances. He transitioned home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by Clarence Hill Smith, Sr. (father), Irene Williamson Smith Carraway, (mother), and Joe Louis Smith, (brother).