Nicholas "Nick" Smith

Mr. Nicholas “Nick” Ralph Smith of Kannapolis, the most kind, gentle, and wonderful man who ever lived, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by the people he loved and who loved him the most.

Nick was born November 1, 1953, and grew up in Duncan, OK. His parents were the late Lemuel and Mary Smith. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in Okamuglee, OK. In his youth, he enjoyed square dancing and raising hell. Nick was also a proud member of the Choctaw Nation.

Later, Nick moved to North Carolina, where he was employed by Westinghouse in Charlotte, NC, and then by Preformed Line Products in Albemarle, NC, as an electrical component design engineer and drafter. After 18 years with PLP, Nick retired to spend more time with his beloved wife, Charlotte, and dog, Ginny, who accompanied him everywhere.

In his free time, Nick relished working in the yard and tending to his multitude of flowers and plants. He was the most handy of handymen, and enjoyed working around the home. He loved to travel both domestically and abroad and went nowhere without his camera. After retiring, he took part in the Kannapolis Fire Department and Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy, and he had the pictures to prove it.

Nick is survived by his wife Charlotte Kimmer Smith of the home, daughter Stephanie DuVall of Wake Forest, NC, son Dan Alexander and wife Leona of Lexington, NC, grandchildren Matthew DuVall and wife Gale, Elizabeth Bridges and wife Megan, Daniel Alexander and wife Brittany, Taylor Hearne, Stephen Marshall and wife Rachael, Shikinah Bain and husband Josh, Shriah Edwards and husband Dustin, great-grandchildren Ryder Hearne, Serena Hearne, Sophia Bain, Riley Bain, Stacy Alexander, and Evelyn Marshall, and a number of extended family members.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents Lem and Mary Smith, his mother-in-law Louise Kimmer, sister Susan Mayberry, granddaughter Jessica DuVall, and favorite canine Ginny.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Sunday at Wilkinson Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Brad Garrigues. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 PM Sunday at the funeral home, where all are welcome.