Charles Ray Smith

Charles Ray Smith, 87 of China Grove, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 7, 2023 at Universal Health Care following a period of declining health.

Charles was born November 19, 1935 in Cabarrus County, NC a son of the late James Luther Smith and Jesse Mae Basinger Smith.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife; Betty Carpenter Smith and his second wife; Joyce Burris Smith. Also preceding him were two brothers Robert Lee Smith and Odell Irving.

Family members surviving include six children; Charles (Chuck) Ray Smith, Jr. and wife Kimanh Nguyen of Concord, Timothy (Tim) Bryant Smith of Albemarle, Daniel (Danny) K. Smith and wife Tammy of Kannapolis, James (Jamey) Christopher Smith and wife Traci of China Grove, Don Peele of Cornelius and Donna Peele Mattison and husband Paul of Sherrill’s Ford.

He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Whitley’s Funeral Home Monday, July 10, 2023 from 6:00 P.M-8:00 P.M. At other times they will be at their respective residences.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Piedmont Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Dr. Mike Edwards. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by the US Air Force and the Cabarrus County Honor Guard.

Charles was a 1952 graduate of A.L. Brown High School. He was a veteran of the US Air Force. He worked at Cannon Mills in the loom fixing department at Plant #1, also worked at R.S. Braswell for 68 years and also worked at Norandal of Salisbury.

He was a member of Piedmont Baptist Church, Kannapolis, served as Scoutmaster of Troop 45 at Lakewood Baptist Church and was a member of Cannon Memorial Masonic Lodge # 626 AF&AM.  He enjoyed woodworking.

Memorials may be made to Piedmont Baptist Church, 5870 Wright Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Online condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com