Samuel Jesse Smith

It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel Jesse Smith, 65, of Charleston, SC announce his passing on Saturday, August 24, 2024, after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. 

Sam was born in Mount Airy, NC on November 16, 1958, to the late Jesse Smith and the late Martha Frances Chandler Smith. He received his undergraduate degree from Gardner-Webb University where he was on the golf team, being awarded the Northwest AAA All Conference Golf award for 1976-1977. 

After graduation, Sam began his marketing career with Harris-Cuthrell selling Converse shoes to retail and teams across the southeast. He had a long, successful career developing lifelong relationships with customers and business associates. 

Sam loved golf. He enjoyed the camaraderie, competitiveness, and the people he met along the way. He played in many tournaments, including the Charleston City Four Ball, Mt. Airy Country Club Member Guest, and the Chick Miler Invitational. He was fortunate enough to have played many prestigious courses such as Pebble Beach, Turnberry, St. Andrews, Muirfield, Renaissance Club, and Kingsbarn. 

Sam is survived by his beloved wife Kimberly Rodgers Smith, his daughter Madalyn Smith Fish (Andrew) of Mt. Pleasant, his brother Richard M. Smith (Kristin) of Pinnacle, NC, and his nieces Anna Grace Smith, Victoria Smith, and Scarlett Smith. 

Sam will be remembered for his courage and inspiration to others battling challenging conditions. He leaves a legacy of his love and loyalty to family and friends. He was truly loved and respected by all who knew him. "Death and love are the two wings that bear the good man to heaven" (Michelangelo). 

Memorials may be made in Sam’s honor to First Tee-Greater Charleston, 321 Wingo Way, Suite 201, Mt. Pleasant SC 29464.