Harry Arthur Smith
Harry Arthur Smith, 93, of Charlotte, a loving father and grandfather with a responsible and hardworking nature, died peacefully on April 4, 2026, in Charlotte. Harry was born June 22, 1932, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Donald M. and Thelma I. (Parks) Smith. Harry left school in the 10th grade to help run the family farm when his father lost an arm in an accident. At 19 years old, Harry answered the call to serve his country, beginning military duty in April of 1952. He completed seven years of honorable service in the United States Navy, holding the rank of Fireman (FN) during the Korean War and concluding his service in 1960.
Following his military discharge, Harry built a 30-year long career at Oldsmobile, eventually enjoying a well-earned retirement. Co-workers and friends remember his steady dedication and reliable spirit.
Harry was an avid golfer who could always find happiness on the fairway. Whether lining up a putt or teeing off on the back-nine, Harry showed us that patience and persistence win the quiet victories that matter most. Harry was part of the Monday night men’s golf league, with long-time friend Frank Palacios, until just last year. Golf gave Harry immense joy, but family gave him purpose. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly, and moments spent with family were among his most cherished memories.
Harry is survived by his sons, Del (Suzanne) Smith, Dayton (Joan) Smith, and Dane Smith; daughter, Kelly (Mike) Wicker; grandchildren, Savannah (Andrew) Marino, Madison Smith, Blake Smith, Marcus Olsen, Kayla Bruce, Sara Smith, Trevor Smith, Danielle Smith, Joshua (Allison) Wicker, Nichole Wicker, Natalie (Joey) Neihaus, Stephanie (James) Campbell, and Logan Blair; great-grandchildren, Levi Smith, Taytum Smith, Riley Olsen, Alex Olsen, Angelo Olsen, James Blair, Leah Morris, McKenzie Blair, Allie Blair, Logan Blair Jr., Brooklyn Wicker, Grayson Wicker, Hudson Lee, Austin Wicker, Skyler Marie Freidinger, Logan Freidinger, Micah Neihaus, and Evie Rose Neihaus. He was predeceased by his wife, Elaine Smith; parents; grandson, Ian Smith; and granddaughter, Angie Blair.
Friends are encouraged to support Harry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, April 10, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. Funeral services were Friday, April 10 at 4 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Harry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.