Carl John Smith

1930 - 2024

Captain Carl John Smith, USN Ret., D.D.S. BLUFFTON, SC - Carl John Smith of Bluffton, Sun City, SC, departed this earth on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, to be with his Lord and Savior. He was 94 years old. Dr. Smith was born January 22, 1930, in Detroit, MI, to his parents Israel Carl Smith and Elna Ingrid Renfors. He graduated from Clawson High School in 1948, and studied at Alma College for two years prior to enlisting in the United States Navy at the start of the Korean War. He later graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI, where upon he re-entered the Navy, serving a total of 35 years around the country and world. Following his military service, Dr. Smith continued his dental career as a Professor of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Carl was a compassionate and dedicated man who truly lived by "God, Family and Country" every day. He was a devoted member of Lowcountry Presbyterian Church and a very loving Husband and Father. He was extremely proud of his service to his Country. Carl was an inspiration and an exceptional role model to all, and a true family man. He lived his life with integrity, kindness, and compassion, and will be missed by many. Dr. Smith was pre-deceased by his parents as well as his brother, Ronald George Smith of Boise, ID. He was also pre-deceased by his first wife of 41 years, Sally Rae Kenitzer of Beaufort, SC, and Shorewood, WI. Dr. Smith is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Eldora "Ellie" Kobel Smith of Bluffton, SC. He is also survived by four children, Gayle (John) Gremillion of Greenville, SC; Laura Rae Phillips (Carter Hemphill) of Hilton Head Island, SC; Paul (Susan) Smith of Hilton Head Island, SC; and Peter (Heidi) Smith of Beaufort, SC. He also leaves 7 grandchildren, Kiel (Kate) Phillips of Hilton Head Island, SC; Jessica Crane of Medville, MA; Peter Gremillion of Frankfurt, Germany; J. C. Gremillion of Beaufort, SC; Evan Smith of Columbia, SC; Sarah Smith Zeis of O'Fallon, IL; and Paulie Smith of Hilton Head Island, SC. A memorial service will take place Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10:00AM at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton, SC, and committal will be held on the same day at 1:00PM Beaufort National Cemetery, with full military honors. Arrangements by The Island Funeral Home and Crematory.