Samuel H. Smith, Jr. was born on June 17, 1939 in Prosperity, SC to Sadie Hunter (Smith) Barley and Samuel Smith Sr. Like his sister, Betty Ann Woodhouse, “Sammy” was delivered on family property, “the homeplace” by his grandmother, Lenora Boozer Hunter. Although they lived in North Carolina, Sam and Betty Ann would return most summers to Prosperity.
Sam spent his earliest years in Kannapolis until a fire destroyed the family home. They moved to Charlotte and Sam enrolled in Harding High School. Harding and friends that Sam met (like Tim Helms) would remain a centerpiece of importance to him. In faithful dedication, the Class of ‘57 with reunions, a website, and regular gatherings have supported each other and inspired us all.
At Harding, Sam met someone who would forever change, enrich and guide his life – Gayle Harkey. They were just friends until late in their senior year when they became sweethearts. Chosen “Most Dependable”, they are pictured in the 1957 yearbook leaning back-to-back supporting each other. Little did they know then that they would spend over sixty years together in true loving support.
They were married and moved to Chapel Hill where Sam graduated with a Business degree. They returned to Charlotte where their first child, Sharyn, was born - one of the proudest moments of Sam’s life. With the responsibilities of a growing family Sam followed an opportunity in Salt Lake City, Utah exploring the potential of computers in banking. In Salt Lake, Gayle and Sam had their second child, Philip. This young family felt the tug to get back “home” and moved to Columbia, S. C. where Sam worked in the SCNB Trust Department. They returned to Charlotte, and found the Coulwood community where they stayed for thirty years. Sam began work with NCNB, served with Gayle as P. T. A. co-President at Sharyn’s school and coached Philip’s Optimist Championship basketball team.
Sam and Gayle returned to St. James UMC where an inspiring minister, Floyd Berrier, called Sam to address social issues beyond the walls of church- the underrepresented people of the Westside of Charlotte. Accepting the challenge, Sam and dedicated locals co-founded the Westside Community Organization which was instrumental in District Representation, a first responder system for “outlying” areas, and fostering race relations.
With an understanding of banking, business, and computer technology, Sam co-founded Trust Management Systems – growing to national prominence as the leading trust department system for the nation’s largest banks. To make technology accessible for everyone, Sam opened Charlotte’s first computer store, “The Computer Room” in 1976.
In 1995, with inspired members of St. James and Chadwick, Sam committed to the founding of Assurance United Methodist Church- a source of pride and comfort for Sam ever since. Not afraid to tackle controversial and difficult topics, Sam’s Friendship Sunday School Class became a steady highlight of his week. The experiences, friends and the love that he and Gayle received over the years from the Assurance family were a most valued part of his life.
Sam’s family grew another generation with the birth of Tyler, and Wesley. “Granddaddy” became dedicated to games, adventures, “kick back snacks” and bedtime stories. The Sunday school “brag jar” was a fund-raising excuse to tell stories about his grandkids. An abounding life afforded Sam opportunities to travel the world, meet with church and business leaders, and to receive countless honors and awards, but he would much rather tell you about Tyler stopping by to see him or riding to lunch with Wesley while listening to “50s music.”
When Sam died on January 2nd, we lost a man of highest dedication, intelligence and integrity - a wonderful husband, a great father, and a loving granddad.
Sam was preceded in death by his mother, Sadie Hunter Barley, and his father, Samuel H. Smith, Sr. He is survived by his sister Betty Ann Woodhouse, his daughter Sharyn Smith, his son Philip Smith and wife Suzette Eppley Smith. He is also survived by his granddaughter Tyler Joanna Smith and grandson Wesley Carmichael Smith who were true joys of his life.
A memorial service for Sam will be held Friday, January 10th at 1:30 PM at Assurance United Methodist Church located at 9700 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville, NC. A period of visitation will precede the service at 12:00 PM. Private burial in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Assurance United Methodist Church, 9700 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. Services entrusted to McEwen Funerals & Cremations at Forest Lawn West. Condolences may be submitted at www.forestlawnwest.com.
