Berkley Leon Small Jr.

Berkley Leon "Buster" Small, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Sophia, North Carolina, on November 30, 2025. Born on October 17, 1943, in Marion County, South Carolina, Buster lived a full and vibrant life marked by loyalty, laughter, and the simple joys he loved most.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, Berkley Leon Small Sr. and Miriam Jones Small; his beloved wife, Betty Jean Grainger Small; and his sister, Sandra Dean Freeman.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Ricky Leon Small of Randleman, NC; Shannon Small of Sophia, NC; Terry Small and wife Rosa of Asheboro, NC; and Ricky Leon Small Jr. of Seagrove, NC. He is also survived by his daughter, Crystal Small Frailey and husband Michael of Georgia. Buster leaves behind his brothers, Teeny and Sugar Small, both of South Carolina; and his sisters, Mary Jane Sawyer and Paulette, also of South Carolina. His legacy continues through his 11 grandchildren-Kristen, Shana, Jessie, Hannah, Cassie, Heather, Shelia, Courtney, Dexter, Valerie, and Seth-and his 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great pride and joy.

Buster was well known for singing, dancing & strumming on his guitar. He was always having a good time and enjoying life on his own terms. He rarely missed a NASCAR race and often watched with a beer and cigarette in hand, gambling on his favorite drivers. He loved model cars, Elvis, George Jones, a hot black coffee & collard greens. Watching classic westerns, Judge Judy & The Price is Right were staples in his toasty home.

To those who knew him, Buster was a man of good character-a straight shooter who stood firm in his ways and beliefs. His family remembers him as dependable, honest, and unapologetically himself.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 8, 2025, in the chapel of Cumby Family Funeral Service in Archdale, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park Cemetery in Asheboro, NC.

Buster will be deeply missed by all who loved him, but his memory will continue to live on in the stories, laughter, and moments he leaves behind.