A. Zachary "Zach" Smith III

A. Zachary (Zach) Smith

CHARLOTTE – A. Zachary (Zach) Smith III passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025. Zach was born on November 23, 1941, to Alfred Zachary Smith Jr. and Carrie Hendren Smith in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

He graduated from Woodberry Forest School in 1959, attended Davidson College, playing soccer and earning an A.B. in History in 1963. He received his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1966.

Zach and his wife Emily Smith grew up six blocks away from each other in Winston-Salem where they were married in 1965. Emily and Zach moved to Charlotte in 1966 where they raised two daughters and quickly became committed to their new city. They were very happily married for more than 60 years.

Zach is remembered for his unwavering integrity, innate curiosity and quiet humility. He was the most supportive husband, father and grandfather.

Also known for a keen attention to detail and willingness to mentor young attorneys, Zach practiced law with Kennedy Covington Lobdell and Hickman, later K&L Gates, for more than 40 years before he became Chief General Counsel of Snyders Lance from which he retired in 2015.

Throughout his life, Zach felt it was important to make a contribution to his community. He served on a wide array of boards and supported various organizations in addition to being a regular Red Cross blood donor.

Zach was a member of Christ Church for more than 50 years where he served on many committees, including as Senior Warden of the Vestry. He was also an active member of the Council of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina.

A passion for contemporary art inspired many of Zach's pursuits. He most recently worked to ensure the completion of the art installation "The Brain is Wider than the Sky" by the artist Spencer Finch at the newly reopened Carolina Theatre. Zach worked on numerous committees at The Mint Museum where he served on the Board of Trustees for three 8-year terms over a 30-year period. He led the Board responsible for the museum expansion at Randolph Road in the 1980s and was later Chair of the Uptown Building Committee in the 2000s.

Zach was also curious about the making of art, attending Letterpress Studios at the Penland School of Craft in Penland, NC where he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He was also on the Board of the McColl Center for Visual Art and the Planning and Art Committees for the Levine Children's Hospital.

Other board commitments included Foundation for the Carolinas, the Arts and Science Council, the Speech and Hearing Center, the Counsel for Children, Charlotte Country Day School, and the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Zach is survived by his wife, Emily, his daughters, Shelton Smith of New York City, Lindsay Smith, also of New York City, and her husband Jason Herrick, as well as two beloved grandchildren.

When Zach was not working or building his contemporary craft and art collections, he was often playing golf with good friends. He enjoyed planning family trips, where his first visit was always to local museums and galleries. He was most happy with a long swim in the ocean.

A service will be held on Tuesday, October 14th at 2:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC. Visitation to follow.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial gift may do so to The Mint Museum or Christ Church.

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