Carl Eugene Smith

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel, 6000 West Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27407, followed by a private entombment.

Born in 1938 in Mauston, Wisconsin, Carl was one of four children born to Claude L. and Ardis M. Smith.

Following high school, he left the family farm to join the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, NC. There, he proudly served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division from 1957 to 1959. During his service, he met his devoted wife, Shirley Morrison Smith. They were married and established their home in Lillington, NC. Following a brief period in Aurora, IL, they settled in Greensboro, NC, where they raised two daughters.

Driven by an adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit, he founded C.E. Smith Company, Inc., a metal stamping and manufacturing business. Over the years, his integrity, generosity and care shaped not only the business, but also the lives of so many who had the privilege of knowing him. Alongside his beloved wife, Shirley, he built a legacy of selfless service, genuine kindness, and unwavering commitment to the values and people he cherished. He was an active leader in the industry, having served as Chairman of both the American Metal Stamping Association and the Precision Metal Stamping Association. He was also a member of the North Carolina Small Business Advisory Council and the United States Small Business Association Region IV-Charlotte Advisory Council.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 48 years, Shirley M. Smith, and his brother, Robert Smith of New Lisbon, WI.

He is survived by his daughters: Carla Smith Jones and her husband, Roger S. Jones, Jr., and Jennifer Smith Adams and her husband, Floyd Cecil Adams III (Bo), all of Greensboro, NC. He also leaves behind his loving wife of 16 years, Mary Biddy Smith (Geni), and his daughters-by-marriage: Janice Jensen Kornman(JJ) of New Orleans, LA, and Kelly Jensen Neel and her husband, Randy Neel of Maple Valley, WA.

He is further survived by his grandchildren: Floyd Cody Adams (Ashton), Carl Spencer Adams, Connor McKinley Jones, Stephen Lee Jones (Amanda), Mitchell Allen Jones (Jeanette), Rebecca Kornman, Jack Kornman, Ben Kornman, Giles Neel, and Jacob Neel, who all affectionately called him "Papa." He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Stephanie Leigh Jones and Aiden McGuire Jones.

He leaves behind his older sister, Irene Milby, of Shelbyville, IL, and his brother, Guy Smith, of Mauston, WI, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

While C.E. Smith Company and his family were his absolute pride and greatest joys, Carl enriched his life with deep friendships and the pursuit of his many passions. He enjoyed traveling the world, was an avid golfer, a lifelong hunter and enthusiast for aviation and the great outdoors. He also cherished the simple pleasures, particularly a "good pour" of Gentleman Jack at the end of the day.

Carl was a long-standing member of Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, NC, for nearly fifty years. He was also a member of Starmount Forest Country Club in Greensboro, NC, and Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, FL.

“Papa” Smith found great satisfaction in mentoring his grandchildren, imparting his wisdom, life lessons, and invaluable advice. Carl’s generosity knew no bounds. He made it his life's mission to provide for his family, leaving a lasting legacy of love and support for generations to come.

The family will receive friends at the Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to the American Heart Association and The N.C. Wildlife Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com