Steve Brown Smith

April 30, 2021

CHARLOTTE - Steve Brown Smith 

Steve Smith died at his home on April 30, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was 76 years old. 

Steve was born to the late Cleavy James and Bertie Mae Simpson Smith. He attended East Mecklenburg High School and Lenoir Rhyne College and graduated from the University of Georgia. 

After college, Steve moved to Atlanta where he met his wife, Cindy.  They soon moved to Charlotte where they started a family. Steve worked as an accountant for several firms before opening his own tax and accounting firm, Steve B. Smith & Co, which he ran for more than 35 years. He was a member of Myers Park Country Club and an Elder at First Presbyterian Church.  Steve enjoyed trying to keep up with his wife Cindy, an occasional round of golf, and his annual fishing trips with friends.  In his later years, Steve found a new passion serving as a leader, coach and mentor to those impacted by addiction.  He was especially devoted to mentoring young people battling the disease and helped change the course of many lives for the better.  

Above all, Steve loved his family. He was a devoted husband and father and was affectionately known as “Buddy” to his six grandchildren. Being a grandfather was one of Steve’s greatest joys. He wore a baseball cap every day with the names of his grandchildren stitched on the back and would proudly show it to everyone he encountered, friends and strangers alike. His grandchildren adored him. Buddy had a reputation for never saying no, especially when it came to candy and toys.  

Steve was kind and gentle, yet strong in faith and character.  He had a fantastic sense of humor and had a way of making people laugh when they least expected.  He loved music and loved to dance.  Steve meant the world to those who loved him and will be greatly missed. 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Cynthia Richardson Smith; son Steven Chadwick Smith (Heather) and daughter Whitney Smith Johnson (John); grandchildren Whit, Wansley and Finley Smith and Jack, Polly and Tipton Johnson; sister Sylvia Smith Pigg and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kenneth. 

The immediate family will have a service, which will be broadcast live from Myers Park Methodist Church at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Please join the family via livestream https://livestream.com/mpumc/funeral

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org/donate); The Dilworth Center (https://dilworthcenter.org/donate/) or Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte region (https://hpccr.org). 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Andy Beard

    Dear Cindy, Chad, Whitney and families, I was shocked to learn of Steve's passing this morning. Kim and I and Hunter and Will spent many, many hours sharing company and love and food with you all. We send our heartfelt sympathy. Andy and Kim