Carlis Smith

Carlis Smith of Clarkton, passed peacefully into Heaven at home with family on March 16, 2023.  He was born to Oscar Lowe and Myrtle Parker Smith on October 17, 1953.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James Albert Smith, sister Gerline Hendrix, niece Michelle Thompson Kelly, mother and father-in-law, Ferris and Vivian Hester, brother-in-law, Joseph Hester, and sister and brother-in-law Linda and Ray White.

Carlis is survived by his daughter, Lynn Settlemeyer and grandson, Andrew of Leland, sister Thetus (Herman) Ransom of Bladenboro, nephew Joe (Wendy) Thompson and niece Mariska of Lumberton, former wife, Jan Maynor of Lumberton, sister-in-law, Frances Hester of Bladenboro, niece Jessica (DJ Schmale) White of Elizabethtown, several very special friends, neighbors, and cousins, and his beloved pup, Charlie.

Carlis learned a strong work ethic being raised by his hard-working parents in Columbus County.  He retired from the North Carolina Department of Transportation after 30+ years where he took great pride in his work in Bladen County.  If you’ve traveled the roads of Bladen, then you’ve benefitted from his solid work ethic.  At NCDOT, Carlis’ responsibilities included Elwell Ferry where he devoted many hours to its operation and beautification of the ferry grounds.  Whatever Carlis did, whether at work or at home, he wanted it done right and couldn’t rest until it was completed.  When his grandson was born, Carlis parked his DOT truck and became a full time PaPa.  He bought Andrew his first bike and treasured the time they spent riding and strolling through the neighborhood along with Charlie.  He loved to cook and took great pride in his homemade pound cake and cheesecake.  He was also well known for keeping his yard neat and clean and loading up his mower to help family and friends with whatever they needed.  While at home, he loved listening to music and watching westerns.  He was a man of his word and if he told you something then you could count on it. Carlis will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held, on Sunday, March 19th from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home with the memorial service immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC  28401-7335 or to your favorite charity.