Paul Judson Smith

Born in Stanley, NC, and following graduation from Lowell High School, he moved to Charlotte in 1945. On April 21, 1945, he married Hilda Maddox Smith, the true love of his life who preceded him in death in 2012. He cherished the memories of their 67 year love story throughout his life.

The Smiths became Charter Members of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in 1955 and they retained their membership during the remaining years, given the church was such an important part of their lives.

Mr. Smith served as an officer in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. As a bombardier/navigator on the B25 aircraft, he flew 50 combat missions in the Burma/India/China theater and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.

Mr. Smith initially held several sales positions, but Allison Erwin was the company where he “officially” retired in 1975. “Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life” is a quote that applies to Paul’s love of working with his customers. Following retirement, Paul and Hilda enjoyed traveling to different venues throughout Europe and America. During their later lives, the Smiths became residents of Aldersgate Retirement Community.

Following the death of his beloved wife, he remained a resident in the independent community on the Aldersgate Campus. Paul witnessed the love of Christ to many residents at Aldersgate. While living there, one of his greatest joys was to share with residents the Peace of our Lord by helping them feel love and comfort. Often this was simply by an invitation for a ride on his golf cart to his tomato garden where he would share the fruits of his labor. Growing vegetables and sharing tomatoes for others to enjoy was a lifelong passion.

Terri, Paul’s daughter, said he always put the needs and feelings of others ahead of his own. “He was without a doubt the most compassionate Christian man I have ever known,” she said. “During my entire life, I never heard him speak an unkind word about anyone. I will forever be blessed by calling this man, ‘my Dad’.”

In addition to his wife, Paul was predeceased by his parents, Claude and Stella Hurley Smith; his five brothers, Harry, Claude, Curtis, Truett, and Joe and the eldest of his two sisters, Betty Thomas. Also, Paul and Hilda were predeceased by their infant son, Richard Wayne Smith.

He is survived by his daughter, Terri Smith Phillippi, (Paul Stephen Phillippi); his granddaughter, Elizabeth Page Shanefelter (Adam Shanefelter); and the two additional loves of his life, his great-grandsons, Logan Reid and Ashton Reid. Paul is also survived by the younger of his two sisters, Rachel Smith Mullinax; along with many nephews, nieces, and their children.

A service of celebration for the life of Mr. Smith will be held at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 7200 East W. T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC, on Sunday, April 9th at 2 p.m. Interment will be a privately held service at another date.

In lieu of flowers and because of Paul’s lifelong love and interest for his church, the family requests memorial contributions could be made to “Hearts and Hammers”, a charitable mission of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, located at 7200 East W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28215, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, Mint Hill, NC.