Matthew Smith, III, 71, of Midland, NC, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at his residence.

Matthew Smith, III, "Tony," son of the late Matthew Smith, Jr. and Marjorie Smith, was born on July 5, 1954, in Charlotte, NC.  He departed this earthly life on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at home, in Midland, NC.

Tony some might say was a prodigy or genius at a young age where he was said to have been reading at the age of 3 avidly.  Tony was known as the paperboy in the First Ward neighborhood.

Tony spent his early childhood attending Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Schools.  He was a skilled musician at an early age.  Tony was so good at playing the trumpet while attending Piedmont Middle School, he was invited to march with the Second Ward High School Band. He played the trumpet under Mr. Ledbetter, one of Charlotte Mecklenburg's best band leaders during that time. Tony was very instrumental in supporting and teaching his relatives, baby brother (percussions), nephew (trumpet) and niece (saxophone).  Both niece and nephew went on to march on the college level in reputable bands.  Tony was academically gifted.  In the 70's he attended the Learning Academy at Davidson College.

As a teenager, he became a short order cook.  As an adult, he went on to be a lead cook at various restaurants which included managing his father's restaurant. He was also employed at Consolidated Engravers, National Textile Engravers, American Textile Engravers and Roto Screen #2.

During Tony's younger years, he grew up in St. Paul Baptist Church.  He later joined First Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church as an adult.  Before his illness, he attended Sunday School and sang on the Adult Choir. He read his bible daily.  He truly loved and trusted the Lord.

Tony loved reading, listening to music, especially jazz music where he became great at scatting.  He also loved cooking, playing cards, watching police stories, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and he streamed several church ministries. He loved to travel. He had already planned to travel back to Chicago in November to visit his sister Marjorie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Tony leaves to celebrate and cherish his life one daughter, Zabrina Stokes (Timothy) of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren, Devin Smith, Timothy Stokes, Jr. and Kelsey Stokes; three great-grandchildren, Baileigh Smith, Timothy Stokes, III, Laila Stokes, all of Charlotte, NC; two sisters, Evangelist Marjorie L. Smith of Chicago, IL, G. Abigail Gamble (Maurice Sr.) of Midland, NC; one brother, Tobias H. Smith of Raleigh, NC; one aunt, Mamie Johnson of Charlotte, NC; one uncle, Leon Parker, Sr. of Jacksonville, NC; one great-aunt, Daisy Rhem of Glenn Dale, MD; a nephew, Maurice Gamble, Jr. (Jordan) of Atlanta, GA; a niece, Marjorie A. Gamble of Durham, NC; and a host of cousins, extended family members and friends.