Charles Smith Obituary

GASTONIA - Charles Blalock Smith, age 80, died March 16, 2011.

Born February 6, 1931 in Gastonia, NC, Charles was a son of the late David William and Bessie Blalock Smith. He honorably served his country in the US Air Force and was a graduate of The Citadel, class of 1952. Charles was an avid golfer and at one time was the third ranked amateur in the world. His championships included: Gaston Country Club, North-South, Southern Amateur, Eastern Amateur, Carolinas Open, Carolinas Amateur and Azalea Amateur. Charles was on the 1961 Americas Cup, the 1961 and 1963 Walker Cup teams and enjoyed playing in the Masters four times. He played on many occasions with Sam Sneed, Arnold Palmer, Byron Nelson and Jack Nicklaus. Charles was inducted into the Citadel Hall of Fame and the Carolinas Hall of Fame and Gaston County Hall of Fame. He was also honored with display cases at the Dune's Club, Myrtle Beach, SC, where he was an honorary member, and the Gaston Country Club, Gastonia, NC. Charles was an excellent raconteur and had many wonderful stories. One of his highlights was attending the Derby and having the pleasure of meeting and talking with Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Princess Margaret. He was a true southern gentleman that dearly loved his family and many friends.
Charles is survived by his loving companion of nineteen years, Calvert Hopkins Helms; three children, Charles Blalock Smith, Jr. (Lisa), Amelia Rustin Smith and Shepherd Cary (Mark); four grandchildren, John Dixon Wallace IV, Alycia S. Smith, Jennifer S. Link and William Gray Smith, and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, David William Smith, Jr.

A memorial service will be held noon Saturday, March 19, 2011 at The Episcopal Church of the Advent conducted by the Reverend J. Edward Morris.

The family will welcome friends at The Piedmont Club immediately following the service.

Memorials may be given in remembrance of Charles to The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409-6150.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.jmdunbar.com.

Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gaston Gazette on Mar. 18, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Smith

11 Entries

Dana Horton

March 25, 2011

Calvert,
You know how much you and Charles always made me smile every time you would come in. You also know how much Charles reminded me of my Papa. I cried when I saw this. I hope that peace finds you soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
~Dana @ Proaxis

Joe Fairey III

March 21, 2011

It has been my honor to have known Charles 'B' Smith for many years....first as dealer transfer driver for my dad's Chevrolet dealership back in the early 70s, and then through the years as we did business together...and certainly a few rounds of golf along the way....we have truely lost a good man... and I am sure that I speak for my father as well...as he knew Charlie very well also....you are all in our thoughts and prayers....Joe Fairey III, Fairey Chevrolet-Cadillac, Orangeburg, SC

Carol S. Powers

March 20, 2011

Amelia and Shepherd,

My sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad..Know you have been in my thoughts and in prayers...
Carol S Powers

March 19, 2011

We have truly lost a "one of a kind" in the passing of Charles Smith.
Individuals possessing the character

Burl Robinson

March 18, 2011

Charles was the last of the good guys (The good guys being him, his father David and brother Dave doing business as Smith Chevrolet in Gastonia, NC). They were the most honorable automobile dealers ever known and they were men of their word. Charles went on to be the best golfer although Dave thought he was. Bet they are already competing up there.
All the family has my deepest sympathy. May God bless each of you and may Charles Rest In Peace.

Ron & Connie Moore

March 18, 2011

Charlie, Lisa & Gray,

Our thoughts are with you on this sad occassion. We are so sorry for your loss.

Tom Rosano

March 18, 2011

Charlie,
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Cracker Barrell MIT class 1-31-11.

Lisa Jackson

March 18, 2011

Charles was a true southern gentleman. Roy and I loved him dearly and will miss him so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family and Ms. Helms during this sad time.
Lisa and Roy Jackson

March 18, 2011

Calvert, I was so shocked to hear about Charles. It was always a great pleasure to see and talk to the both of you when you came in the store.He will be missed greatly. Due to my surgery I will not be able to attend the services, but you and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
With love
Tim Fox

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