Carl Stephen Smith, age 67, a native of Rutherford County, passed away Friday, December 25 at his home. Carl was the beloved husband of Sharon Byrd Smith also of Rutherfordton, NC.

Born August 22, 1953, Carl was son of the late Edrew and Ordis Conner Smith. He was a 1971 graduate of R.S. Central High School where he was a valued member of the Varsity football team, a graduate of Isothermal Community College and Appalachian State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Accounting.

Carl began his textile career working with Mastercraft Corporation during high school and college. He interned at Cone Mills and worked in manufacturing at the Avondale plant for three years. His desire to work in sales led him to partner with Gunter-Cooke Textile Machinery in Durham, NC. Carl was later recruited by Conitex, Inc., After 35 years of dedicated service with Conitex-Sonoco, Carl retired in 2019 where he last served as Vice President of Sales. Conitex-Sonoco allowed him to flourish and travel the world while representing their product lines.

Carl enjoyed watching college football and the NFL; especially his Appalachian State Mountaineers and the Carolina Panthers. Carl will be remembered as a loving father, brother, and Papa.

In addition to his beloved wife Sharon, Carl is survived by daughters Carla Smith and Randi Rene Sentell; grandchildren Carly, Baron, Isla, South and Jackson whom he dearly loved; siblings Shannon Parker, Stanley Smith, Dale Smith and Paul Smith; along with a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday December 30, 2020, 11AM at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com