Charles Smith

Charles Smith, metal sculptor, 86, passed away September 2, 2023. Charles was born September 25, 1936 in Charleston, S.C. He graduated from Clemson with a degree in science and went to work for Westvaco as a chemical engineer. He later attended NC State to get his masters and PhD in engineering. He then went on to work for MUSC in the psychiatry department heading up special projects.

In 1974, Charles began his career in sculpting which ended up lasting almost fifty years. He first began sculpting dancers and clowns in copper overlaid with brass and eventually started making frogs at the request of a client. His frogs evolved over the years and included human sized frogs doing various things like reading, dancing, and playing instruments. His frogs have been displayed at public gardens including Quatre Vents Gardens at Murray Bay in Canada, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Brookgreen Gardens, Spoleto and schools, hospitals, and private collections all over the United States and the world.

He is survived by his children, Zan Smith, Chapman Bybee and her husband Rick Bybee, and Beau Smith, his grandchildren, Daniel Bybee and his wife Emma Bybee, Lucas Bybee, Anna Smith, Julian Smith, Jason Bybee and his wife Meredith Bybee, and Rice Jones and his great grandson Samuel Jones.

Memorials may be made to PBS or your choice of art institute.