Calvin "Don" Donald Smith

 Calvin Donald Smith passed away on Saturday June 15, 2024, with his wife and family close at hand. Don was born January 21, 1933 to Calvin Fox Smith and Effie Worrell Smith in Greensboro NC. He graduated from Greensboro High School in 1951, where he discovered he had a talent and love for golf which would become his lifelong passion.

After graduating from high school, he joined the Army and was assigned to Fort Benning in Columbus GA. His golfing talent was quickly recognized, and he spent his military career teaching his superiors the joy of the game. After his service in the Army was complete, he returned to Greensboro and married his high school sweetheart Mary Alice Mitchell. The two welcomed three children, Donna Ann in 1959, Calvin Bryan in 1960 and Sue Bratton in 1971.

Don would go on to serve many country clubs across the Carolinas before taking the Head Pro position at Pine Lake Country Club. He served Pine Lake for over twenty years, teaching and entertaining members and their guests with his stories and jokes. He retired in 2001 leaving a legacy that would be celebrated annually at Pine Lake with a tournament named in his honor.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Smith Turner. He is survived by his wife Alice, his daughter Donna Adams (Rodger Adams), his son Calvin Bryan Smith (Linda Smith), and daughter Sue Massey (Kevin Massey). He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to family, he is survived by the countless students with whom he worked to perfect their game.

His wife Alice recently commented that Don was very fortunate to spend his life making a living doing the thing that he loved the most.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11:00 am at Morningstar Presbyterian Church, 13000 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC. The family will receive visitors at the church at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.