1921
2017
Roland M. Smith "Smitty", 96, passed away November 18, 2017. He was born on February 22, 1921 in LaGrange, GA to the late J.W. and Margie (House) Smith.
Roland honorably served in the US Army during WWII from 1943 to 1945. He also served in the FBI from 1942 until 1952. He left the bureau to accept an investigative position with the National Board of Fire Underwriters, Fire and Arson Bureau. He established a Charlotte office for that organization, retiring in 1970. Roland then went on to become the Founding Director of the security department for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and was the Director of Security from 1970 until retiring in 1989.
He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and was a long time lay minister for both Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Roland was a life member and Past Master of West Gate Masonic Lodge and a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was an Oasis Shriner and member of the Metrolina Shrine Club, as well a member of the American Legion post # 353.
Roland was preceded in death by his first wife of 70 years, Helen Thaxton Smith. He is survived by his current wife Carolyn Stout Smith, son Rodney T. Smith (Sarah), daughter Sharon Berman (Ian), granddaughter Shannon Sluis (David), and great-grandchildren Beau and Ruby Sluis.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at West Gate Masonic Lodge, 5924 Brookshire Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28214. Donations can be made in his memory to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, www.mhc-oxford.org.
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Mr Smith was a positive influence on the lives of many, including myself. I was fortunate to work with him and consider him a friend. He loved his family deeply and I hope they can find some comfort at this sad time.
Ken Ross
November 29, 2017
Roland was one of a kind and lived his life to the fullest. Prayers for the family, thankfulness for the experience of knowing him. God bless...
Harvey Burgess
November 26, 2017
We are praying for you Carolyn and your family, love Kathy & Roger Craig
November 25, 2017
I enjoyed working with Roland at CMS Security Department. He was a fine man. Rest in peace. My best to his family.
Joe Harrell
November 24, 2017
what an amazing man and role model he was.My prayers are with the family.May God give you peace and comfort in this most difficult time.
rick stancil
November 24, 2017
Sharon and Family we share in you Loss!
Roland was known for his ability to recall exactness from memory.I will always cherish that he never forgot my name and called me his Friend. He will remain sweet in my memory!
November 23, 2017
Dear Sharon, We are praying for you in this sad time asking God to uphold you and give you peace...Roger and Lovely
Roger Bell
November 22, 2017
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