James William Small, 53, of Sols Place, was walking north on N.C. 87 about 12:15 a.m. when a car going in the same direction hit him, according to the State Highway Patrol. That car then hit a utility pole, and a second car driving behind it also ran into Small.

Trooper R.N. Cook said no charges will be field against either driver because Small was walking in the middle of the road.

Small was the third oldest of seven children, said his oldest sister, Belinda Caldwell. A Chatham County native, he finished high school then enlisted in the Marines, but a medical condition prevented him from serving and he was discharged after about two years, she said.

Small never married or had children but lived on a street with his parents and several other relatives. He was good at fixing cars and drawing, and enjoyed helping people, Caldwell said.

"Whatever they needed, if they needed something done, he was there to help them," said Small's youngest sister, Robin Small.

Caldwell also said her brother loved to dance to oldies and old school music. "If the music came on, he would dance," she said, and if there wasn't anyone to dance with him, "he'd strike out and dance by himself."

Small sported a short beard and almost always wore a hat to hide his balding, Robin Small said.

In the past year, he had started attending church again. "I just think he just decided it was time to make a change," she said.

Robin Small said she last saw her brother Saturday morning. At the cookout later that day, some people told family that James Small was smiling and joking.

"He looked happier than they'd ever seen him," Robin Small said.

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