Charles W. Smith Jr. (pictured), owner of Charlotte, N.C.–based Morrison Smith Fine & Custom Jewelers, died on Nov. 24, according to an online obit. He was 82.
Smith was born in Asheville, N.C., in 1940. The eldest child in his family, Smith began working at age 14 for his cousin and mentor, Paul Greene, who owned a local jewelry store. The experience gave Smith a lifelong love of jewelry craftsmanship.
In 1965, Smith moved to Charlotte and became a master craftsman jeweler. Seventeen years later, he purchased Morrison Smith Jewelers from Ken and Margaret Morrison.
Smith retired from the business in 2010. Morrison Smith Fine & Custom Jewelers is now co-owned by his son, Chuck, and his wife, Pam.
“One of his greatest joys was crafting custom heirloom jewelry for his many customers, friends, and family,” said the online obit. “Charles will be remembered for the love and kindness he showed to others; his infectious laugh; his big, big smile; his warmth; and by the way he viewed the world—always seeing the very best in everyone. Charles brightened any room he entered.”
A devout Catholic, Smith “lived a life that reflected his love of God by treating everyone he met with respect and kindness,” the obit said.
Smith was an active volunteer for a number of charitable organizations, including Friendship Trays/Meals on Wheels of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes, and the Lions Clubs International.
Aside from jewelry, his passions included fine wine, gardening and flowers, traveling the world with close friends and family, and gourmet cooking and cuisine.
Charles W. Smith Jr. is survived by Judy, his wife of 60 years; son Chuck and daughter-in-law Pam; daughter Michel and son-in-law Mac; three grandchildren; his brother Ben and sister Rebecca.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered in memory of Smith to Friendship Trays—Meals on Wheels of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Photo from Legacy.com
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