David Michael Smith, age 86, of Charlotte, NC entered his eternal glory on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023. He was a lifelong resident of Charlotte, NC; born March 8, 1937, to Harvey Pleasant Smith, Sr. & Neva Mae Eaker Smith. Michael was raised in faith at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church, making his decision to follow Christ & be baptized at the tender age of 13. He stayed true to that faith even as he battled advanced colon cancer, after diagnosis at the age of 39. His battle to fight the disease, rebuild his physical strength & maintain a normal life until old age, was truly remarkable. Michael was involved in church as an usher & deacon, taking to heart his ability to serve his church. The friendships he built there were cherished & have lasted a lifetime. Michael graduated in the Class of 1955, from East Mecklenburg High School. He had a love for cars; especially his beloved 1960 Ford Starliner. He enjoyed working at the Pure Oil full-service gas station & was a fire fighter with the Oakhurst volunteer fire department. He was a gifted machinist by trade, working for Pneumapulse, Inc. in the areas of production up to management; then, manufacturing manager after being acquired by American Moistening Co. It was there that he led the design of patented products that are still used in the textile industry today.
His love of NASCAR & Ford Racing was only surpassed by his love for his beloved wife, Becky Cox Smith. They were married for 57 years before her passing. They enjoyed attending races & was a member of the NASCAR 50 Year Fan Club. He & Becky made countless trips to watch the full moon rise over the ocean or cruises on the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the sights & picnic along the way. They attended the Fidler’s Convention together in Galax, VA listening to bluegrass music & dancing. They enjoyed friendships with those in the Folk Music Society & as an avid history buff, he joined the Sons of Confederate Veterans organization in memory of both of his grandfathers who served in the military. Sadly, his final years on this earth have been a struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease & the progression it takes on the body both physically & mentally. Thankfully he never forgot his loving daughters who survive him. Crystal Urwick (Alan) & Michelle Drury (Joe) of Charlotte, NC; & Julie Tucker (Mark) of Waxhaw, NC. He was “Poppa” to his precious grandchildren, Adrienne Urwick Kneece (Brian), Matthew (Keely), & Joshua Urwick; Jacob Tucker; Talia, Jason, Michael, Taylor & Brandon Drury; & great grandchildren, Gregory, Mason, Madison & Bowen. He is also survived by his sisters, Sara Thompson (Dan) of Charlotte, NC & Eleanor McLeod of Sumter, SC; as well as his sisters-in-law, Gail Hodge & Doris Cox, both of Charlotte. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, & nephews. Family meant everything to him.
He joins in heaven, his bride Becky; his precious twin daughters, Neva Lorene & Susan Elaine; also, his parents; his brother Harvey Smith, Jr. (Mollie); brothers-in-law Eugene “Jiggs” McLeod, Bill Hodge & Earl Mitchell Cox; & other beloved family & friends.
The family will receive friends from 10am on Monday, April 3rd at Pritchard at South End, 1117 South Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203. Following the visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Michael’s life will be held at 11am. Burial and a graveside service will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 5400 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28212
The family is incredibly thankful for the entire staff at Aldersgate Asbury Care Center & Cuthbertson Village who so lovingly cared for Michael. We also deeply appreciate the tender care & attention of Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Pritchard at South End, 1117 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park is serving the family. Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenfs.com.
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