Mr. Archie Smith, 79 of Charlotte, passed away  to eternal life on Wednesday May 22, 2019 at Levine & Dickso- Aldersgate.  He was the loving son of the late Zora and Oscar Smith. He was born on September 12, 1939 in Mecklenburg County and raised in Charlotte, NC.  He was a graduate of Second Ward High School in Charlotte and continued his studies at North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, NC.  While attending both schools, Archie participated in the marching band and on the football team.

Following his studies at the university, he served 44 years as a dedicated and distinguished civil servant with the United States Postal Service.  He was quoted as saying, "I tell people that I have three families- my family at home, my family at work, and my family on my route.  Archie was personally involved with the families on his route and at his station; he was viewed as one who led by example. He shared stores of how around Christmas time he would anonymously call the children on his route and pretend to be Santa Claus.  He was often invited by families to share in sporting events, graduations and weddings.  This was indicative of his strong work ethic and personal commitment in his profession.

Archie was an avid sports fan who had a keen knowledge and passion for the games.  Particularly, he enjoyed watching the Carolina Panthers football team and the Duke Blue Devils basketball team.  He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren experience both academic and athletic success and would often coach, teach and mentor them.

Archie was married to his loving wife, Helen Patricia Brannon, and the two of them shared sixty-one years of matrimony bliss.  They had a bond that that is rarely seen in married couples and you rarely saw one without the other.  Through their union, they had five children, thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  He loved his wife dearly, his children unconditionally, and took great pleasure in spoiling his grandchildren.

Archie gave his life to Christ at an early age and loved the Lord.  He was a dedicated and loyal member to First Baptist Church-West where he served as a committed Deacon, choir member, Sunday School teacher, usher and ministry leader.  While a young member at the church, he completed his induction into the Cub and Boy Scouts and  and consistently exemplified the Scouts' principles of being trustworthy, loyal, obedient and reverent throughout his life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Chad Smith.

With his passing, Archie is survived by his wife, Helen Smith; loving children, Charles Smith, Wanda Ferguson, La'Tannia Smith, Zora Crump (Jeff), Amanda Griffin (Steve) and grandchildren, Tyronn, Tavares, Kamari, Jatana, Chaz, Asten, Ebony, Amber, Chase Smith, Mallory Bennett, Anthony Macklin, Stephen and Sidney Griffin; three great-grandchildren; his sister, Lilly Bell Patterson, and sister-in-law, Jean Brannon; two nieces who he loves as daughters and their children as grandchildren, Mahogany Morrison (Braedon) and Deidra Ruthledge (Makayla); his goddaughter, Demeatra Gilmore; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends.

Archie was a man of God and with an infectious smile and a kind, gentle spirit.  He will be missed by all.