EXHIBIT 5

    Opinion of Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P.

   [SMITH, ANDERSON, BLOUNT, DORSETT, MITCHELL & JERNIGAN, L.L.P. LETTERHEAD]

                                 August 12, 1997


Four Oaks Fincorp, Inc.
6144 U. S. 301 South
Four Oaks, North Carolina  27524

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         As counsel for Four Oaks Fincorp, Inc. (the "Company"), we furnish the
following opinion in connection with the proposed issuance by the Company of up
to 100,000 shares in the aggregate of its common stock, $1.00 par value per
share (the "Common Stock"), pursuant to the Four Oaks Fincorp, Inc. Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"). These securities are the
subject of a registration statement to be filed by the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement")
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), to which this
opinion is to be attached as an exhibit.

         We have examined the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the
Company, the minutes of meetings of its Board of Directors, and such other
corporate records of the Company and other documents and have made such
examinations of law as we have deemed relevant for purposes of this opinion. We
also have received a certificate of an officer of the Company, dated of even
date herewith, relating to issuance of the Common Stock pursuant to the Plan.
Based on such examination and such certificate, it is our opinion that the
100,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company, which are being registered
pursuant to the Registration Statement, may be legally issued in accordance with
the Company's articles of incorporation and bylaws, and when so issued and duly
delivered against payment therefor pursuant to the Plan as described in the
Registration Statement, such shares will be legally issued, fully paid, and
nonassessable.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement that you are about to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Such consent shall not be deemed to be an admission that
this firm is within the category of persons whose consent is required under
Section 7 of the 1933 Act or the regulations promulgated pursuant to the 1933
Act.

                                       Sincerely yours,



                                       /s/ SMITH, ANDERSON, BLOUNT, DORSETT,
                                               MITCHELL & JERNIGAN, L.L.P.

                                       SMITH, ANDERSON, BLOUNT, DORSETT,
                                                MITCHELL & JERNIGAN, L.L.P.