Walter Phillip "Phil" Daughtry III, 64, of Smithfield, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at his home from natural causes. He was born on June 14, 1962, in Smithfield, to the late Peggy Creech Daughtry and Walter Phillip (W.P.) Daughtry and was the third of four children. In addition to his parents, Phil is preceded in death by his sister, Connie Nance.

Phil graduated from Smithfield-Selma High School in 1980. He went on to serve in the Air Force, and was stationed in Georgia and Bitburg, Germany. He was honorably discharged, and went on to a career as a HVAC technician, working for NC State and Cherry Hospital, where he retired from in 2022. Phil was very active in the local Boy Scout troop while his sons were members. He had a great love of fishing, the beach, and his beloved pets.

A graveside service will take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 2:00pm, at Creech Cemetery. Flowers and donations are welcome in his name. 

Phil is survived by his former wife, Minda Daughtry; their three children, Luke Daughtry, Brittany Daughtry (Amy), and Matthew Daughtry (Crystal); two grandchildren, Joanna Daughtry and Lydia Daughtry; sisters, Kim Henderson (Dale) and Lisa Ennis (Ron); brother-in-law, David Nance (Susan); and seven nieces and nephews, Jason Grice, Reid Henderson, Connor Nance, Larkin Nance, Carson Nance, Joseph Ennis, and Harrison Ennis. 

Phil will be remembered for his warm smile, and as a loving father who went above and beyond for his family.