Charles Frederick Smith, Sr., 73, died Sunday, September 28, 2008 at Two Rivers Nursing Center. He was a selfless gentleman, who put his family before himself.

Mr. Smith was born and raised in New Bern. He attended New Bern High School, where he sang in the accapela choir, was on the football team and was named most valuable player in 1954. He served in the US Army and was lead singer for the Four Statesmen Barbershop Quartet while in the Army. He was also a postal employee for 42 years. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball and midget football.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elisabeth M. Smith; one son, Charles F. Smith, Jr. of Jacksonville; two daughters, Deborah Noel and husband, Staton of Durham, and Beverly Frierson and husband, Tom of Greenville; and four grandchildren, Charlotte Simpson, Drew Noel, Melissa Frierson and Aaron Frierson.