Calvin "Babe" M. Smith

Calvin Marcellus Smith, 84, known lifelong as "Babe," a nickname given by his older brother, died peacefully at his home on December 15, 2016. By his side was his loving wife of 63 years, Rodney Ann Brown Smith. Babe, originally from Cramerton, NC enjoyed a 38-year career with Western Electric/AT&T. He was honored to be an Elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and proudly served in the US National Guard. Babe was the second son of Robert Jack Smith Sr. and Grace Swayney Smith of Cramerton. He was the loving and loyal father of his two daughters Kelli Smith Johnson of Emerald Isle, NC and Tracy Smith Lemmer of Dallas, NC, and the doting grandfather of Ranz Joseph Lemmer and Carla Grace Johnson.

In addition to his lovely wife and two daughters, he is survived by his older brother Robert J. Smith, Jr. "Cogger" and his younger sister Ann Smith Holcomb. Babe had an adoring family on his side and his wife's side with many brothers- and sister-in-laws, and nieces and nephews who affectionately called him Uncle Babe.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, December 19, 2016 at Carothers Funeral Home Chapel in Gastonia. Reverend Mike Ivy will preside. Interment with military honors will follow at Gaston Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Gaston Hospice, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.

Online condolences and fond memories may be made at: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com;

Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Smith family.