Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 24, 2022

CHARLOTTE – A favorite saying of Charles W. Smith Jr., which began at wine tastings, was: “I love them all.” This is the attitude with which Charles lived his life—as he really did— “love them all.”

First and foremost, he loved his wife, Judy, whom he married in 1962.  Judy was the love of his life, and they would remain a loving and devoted couple, celebrating their 60th anniversary this past summer.

Charles was born on July 26, 1940, grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and was raised by his loving mother, Ida T. Smith. He passed unexpectedly on Thursday, November 24, 2022.  Being the eldest, and to help the family, Charles went to work at age fourteen for his cousin and mentor, Paul Greene, who owned a jewelry store in Asheville.  This inspired Charles’ lifelong love of jewelry craftsmanship. In 1965, Charles moved to Charlotte and became a master craftsman jeweler. Charles dreamed of one day owning his own jewelry establishment.  In 1983, he purchased Morrison Smith Jewelers. Charles ran the business successfully until his retirement in 2010—but nevertheless remained active in the business he loved, with Chuck and Pam carrying on his legacy today.  One of his greatest joys was crafting custom heirloom jewelry for his many customers, friends, and family. 

Charles will be remembered for the love and kindness he showed to others; his infectious laugh; his big, big smile; his warmth; and by the way he viewed the world—always seeing the very best in everyone. Charles brightened any room he entered. 

Charles was a man of strong faith and a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. He attended St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Providence Road.  He lived a life that reflected his love of God by treating everyone he met with respect and kindness. He was also a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus.  

Charles served his community through his involvement with Friendship Trays, the American Heart Association, Meals on Wheels of Charlotte, March of Dimes, and the Lions Club.  As a wine and food enthusiast, Charles was also a visionary and charter supporter of Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend.

Everyone who knew Charles knew that he was a man of many passions. While away from the jewelry bench, Charles enjoyed collecting fine wine, spending time with his tasting groups, gardening and flowers, traveling the world with close friends and family, and gourmet cooking and cuisine. 

Charles was truly a man who . . . “Loved them all.”  

Charles also loved each member of his family deeply. He is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Chuck Smith, and his wife, Pam of Marathon, Florida; daughter, Michele Lane and her husband, Mac of High Point, North Carolina and granddaughters, Carson, Cannon, and Anna Lane.  Also surviving are his brother, Ben Smith and his wife, Karen; sister, Rebecca Allison and her husband, Nelson; and nephews, Ben Allison, Thurston Smith and his wife, Bliss and their children, Nova and Luna; Atticus Allison and his wife, Miao and their children, Summer and Archer and his lifelong friend, whom he called Cousin, George England, and his wife, Nancy.  Charles is also survived by his faithful doodle, Potter.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road in Charlotte.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  The service will be livestreamed at: https://stgabrielchurch.org/livefunerals for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Charles to Friendship Trays – Meals on Wheels of Charlotte, P.O. Box 241046, Charlotte, NC 28224.