Walter C. (Cal) Smith
February 10, 1953 - January 12, 2026
Walter C. (Cal) Smith Obituary
Walter “Cal” Smith died at home surrounded by family on Monday, January 12, 2026
Born on February 10, 1953, in Charlotte, NC at Presbyterian Hospital Cal was the oldest child of the late Lou and Walter Smith and older brother to Gary Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter V. and Sarah Louise Ratliff Smith and his daughter Laura Christine Smith.
After graduating from South Mecklenburg High School in 1971, Cal attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. Following his graduation, he began his career with Emery Air Freight in 1975 and continued his employment through the company’s acquisition to UPS Freight where he worked until his retirement.
Cal was the proud father to the late Laura Christine and to his son Brandon Smith. He made his home in and around Charlotte, moving to the Lake Norman area in the late 1990s. After marrying his college sweetheart and best friend in 2020, he and Beverly moved to Tryon, NC, fulfilling Cal’s long time wish to live in the mountains.
He was an avid Golden State Warriors fan, enjoyed watching Carolina Panther football and attending live concerts. Cal loved dogs, having one by his side most of his life. He will be dearly missed by his companion Neeka.
Cal never met a stranger but if he did, they were soon friends. He was a kind and generous man who saw the best in everyone and made the best of everything life had to offer.
Survivors include his wife Beverly Guffey Smith, son Brandon Smith and wife Taylor, brother Gary Smith and wife Jacki, stepsons Kevin Flack and wife Tara, Kyle Flack and wife Nicole and grandchildren Carissa, Levi and Adley Flack.
Memorials may be made to: Foothills Humane Society, P O Box 985, Columbus NC 28722 : Foothillshumanesociety.org Tribute Gifts
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 Thursday, January 15, 2026 at The Padgett and King Chapel. Interment will follow at 2 o'clock at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com
To send flowers to the family of Walter C. (Cal), please visit our floral store.
Walter “Cal” Smith died at home surrounded by family on Monday, January 12, 2026
Born on February 10, 1953, in Charlotte, NC at Presbyterian Hospital Cal was the oldest child of the late Lou and Walter Smith and older brother to Gary Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter V. and Sarah Louise Ratliff S