Marshall A. Smith

Mr. Marshall A. Smith, Jr., 74, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2016, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 am Saturday, January 7, 2017, at All Saints' Episcopal Church. The Rev. Nancy L. J. Cox will officiate. Inurnment will follow with military honors by the U.S. Air Force at All Saints' Episcopal Church Columbarium in Concord.

The family will receive friends in the Welcome Center of the church following the service.

Mr. Smith was born October 11, 1942 in Lapeer, MI. He was a son of the late Marshall Alvin Smith, Sr. and Marian Eileen Morris Smith. Marshall Smith served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant. During his military career, he worked as a security analyst and then moved into public information (journalism). After retiring, he received a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida. That combination of education and experience allowed him to work in many roles, each of which he embraced and enjoyed. He owned a printing business in Tampa and was involved in business and community organizations there. He was the director of the regional Pharmacy Association, founder and director of CABA (Carrollwood Area Business Association), and administrator of Home Builders Association of Greater Tampa. He created and was editor of The Building Barometer, an industry newspaper.

After moving to Kannapolis, he taught middle school Language Arts, and then was employed by the Kannapolis Independent as a writer and business editor. His next adventure was as community relations director for the Kannapolis Intimidators minor league baseball team. This role was not only fun for him, it gave him (and his family) many lifelong friendships with baseball players and others related to the sport. Following his baseball years, he worked for Menlo Logistics.

During his years in all of these positions in Cabarrus County, he was thankful to build relationships throughout the community. He was faithfully involved in All Saints’ Episcopal Church and served several terms as Board President of Cooperative Christian Ministry. Under his leadership, the board hired Ed Hosack, current Executive Director, who became a close friend and ministry partner. He started every meeting with the words “I love CCM!” According to Betty Jean Pruitt, Executive Director of CCM at the time, “He was our champion.” He served on the Shelter Committee, and spent a lot of time at the shelter.

Ultimately, Cooperative Christian Ministry hired him as Director of the Homeless Shelter. When he became Housing Director for CCM, his reach and impact grew. His vision and effort launched the ministry’s Teaching Housing Program. This initiative began with the donation of one of Marshall’s rental properties, and has grown to over 26 houses. The program offers homeless families the opportunity to have a home for an extended period, during which they receive employment guidance, parenting classes, budget instruction, and other tools to help them regain independence. Also under his leadership, the Mothers’ and Children’s shelter was established.

This role was the one for which Marshall said he was being prepared all of his life. He was a passionate, committed supporter of marginalized and hurting people, believing that it was his responsibility and privilege to be an advocate for “the least of these.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Judy Hickey and Carol Wooten.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 37 years Deborah Smith; two daughters, Christina Auman and husband Steve of Kannapolis and Melissa Kampa and husband Joel of Texas; two sons, Andrew Smith of Durham and Justin Smith and wife Natalie of Panama City, FL; brother, Tom Smith of Michigan; two sisters, Mary Jo Farley and Teresa Wood, both of Michigan; eight grandchildren, Devin, Zachary, Easton, Bailey, Taylor, Jack, Justice and Caroline; and numerous beloved nieces & nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to the Cooperative Christians Ministry, P.O. Box 1717, Concord, NC 28025-1717.