Fraternity Brothers: Smith Was 'Everyone's go-to guy'

Courtland Smith's fraternity brothers and friends gathered at the Delta Kappa Epsilon house and the Chapel of the Cross church Wednesday to remember the 21-year-old junior who was shot to death by an Archdale policeman during a traffic stop early Sunday morning.

Calling him a born leader and a dependable friend, Smith's fraternity brothers recalled his unforgettable personality. As a testament to Smith's impact at DKE, thirty-five fraternity brothers plan to fly to Houston to attend his funeral Friday.

"Everyone liked him," said Harrison McCaskill. "He was a mentor to all. He was one of my great friends. He was everyone's go-to guy."

On Wednesday, authorities released the 911 call Smith placed as he drove down the interstate through Guilford County shortly before his death.

Smith's friends said he was a passionate kayaker and disciplined student who wanted to be a doctor. The biology major from Houston was a respected leader who served as president of the DKE fraternity.

"We're in disbelief in the house right now. Courtland meant so much to this house. He did so much for this house, he loved this house," said McCaskill.

"You could tell that everyone there was celebrating his life, but it was complete sadness he was taken from us so soon," said Ward Minton, another of Smith's fraternity brothers, after the memorial service.

"He loved Chapel Hill, loved the fraternity," said Minton. "He was truly a special person to know."