Craig Daniel Smith

Craig Daniel Smith, 69, of Ocean Isle Beach and Greensboro, NC, died Tuesday, April 26, 2022, due to complications from lymphoma. Craig grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late Arthur and Anne Keohan Smith, graduating from Regis High School, a scholarship Jesuit High School in Manhattan, a place dear to him. He graduated from Princeton University and went on to earn his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he met his wife of 40 years, Celia Routh Hooper. He worked with children and adolescents clinically in Cleveland, and after a post-doctoral fellowship at the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas, came to NC to work in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, and Asheboro. The last 15 years of his professional life were spent in private practice at Randolph Counseling Center where he worked with many cherished colleagues. He was very proud of the many children and young adults he served. In retirement he completed a professional textbook for new psychologists and lay readers who are interested in current psychological theory.

Craig took to heart the motto of his scholarship high school, “men for others,” in his personal and professional life. He considered being a father one of his biggest accomplishments in life. As a child psychologist, he understood the importance of this role, and he enjoyed every stage of fatherhood. He also cherished his granddaughter and even overcame his fear of heights to go ziplining with her. He and his wife enjoyed the outdoors and their life in retirement at Ocean Isle Beach.

In addition to his wife, Craig is survived by his sons, Daniel Hooper Smith (Brandy) of Sarasota, FL, and Thomas Arthur Hooper Smith (Jennifer Moore) of Gainesville, FL; sister, Stephanie Nicholson (Brendon) of Pensacola, FL; granddaughter, Kayleigh M. McCarthy of Vienna, VA, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will hold a private ceremony in the fall at Ocean Isle Beach. Gifts in Craig’s memory can be made to Regis High School, 55 E 84th St, New York, NY 10028 or to his church, West Market Street United Methodist Church, 302 W Market St, Greensboro, NC 27401.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.