Darrell Eric Smith

Darrell was preceded in death by his mother, Mazelle Guyton Smith. He is survived by his son Garret Paul Smith of Fort Mill, S.C., daughter Erica Lindsay Smith of Charlotte, his father Paul Lewis Smith of York, S.C., brother Michael Lewis Smith of St. Petersburg, Fla., sister Terri Annalisa Smith Williams of Charlotte, and one grandson, Logan Smith.

Darrell graduated from Independence High School in 1975 before attending University of North Carolina at Charlotte and completing a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 1982, at Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. After briefly working as a commercial artist, he spent most of his career in automobile sales, beginning with Beck Enterprises and then Hendrick Motors, where he was the Porsche sales manager and became the leader in Porsche sales in the United States in 1990. He later worked as an independent financial advisor before retiring.

Known for his strong Christian faith, Darrell had extensive knowledge of the Bible. He taught several Creation classes at Weddington United Methodist Church where he had been a member.

Darrell was an avid Ford Mustang and Porsche auto enthusiast; he also enjoyed IndyCar and Formula One racing.

A private service will be held for the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Smith family.

Donations to the National Kidney Foundation would be greatly appreciated.