Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 19, 2023

CHARLOTTE – The Reverend Doctor Franklin Oscar Smith, Jr. (Oscar), 91, passed away peacefully at home in Charlotte, NC, on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 10, 1932, in Charleston, SC, to Franklin Oscar Smith, Sr. and Florence Myers Smith.  Oscar grew up in Charleston with his sister, Clarine Smith Cullinane.  He attended North Charleston Elementary, Porter Military Academy and North Charleston High School.  He graduated from Wofford College (AB, 1954) and Candler School of Theology, Emory University (Master of Divinity, 1959).  He also served honorably in the US Army.

Oscar was ordained deacon (1955) and elder (1961) with full connection (1961) in the Methodist Church, serving churches in Georgia (Brookhaven, Haygood Memorial) and in South Carolina (West Kershaw, Hartsville, Bethune, Columbia, Lancaster, Charleston, Walterboro, and Rock Hill).  He also served as the Director of the SC Conference Council on Ministries and Superintendent for the Columbia District.  He retired from the ministry in 1994.  In recognition for his highly distinguished and extraordinary career, he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Wofford College in 1995.  Oscar held many leadership roles within the United Methodist Church, Wofford College, and community organizations.  He served on numerous boards and committees, all in the service of children, prisoners, the homeless and those who are underserved.  He was a dedicated advocate for racial and social justice and worked diligently to make the world more just for all.

Oscar was an accomplished athlete, winning SC high school state championships in football and basketball.  Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing golf, running, cycling, backpacking, hiking, and square dancing.  He was a gifted and talented artist, woodworker and carver, generously sharing his brilliant artworks with family, friends, caregivers, and many who crossed his path.

Oscar was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.  He loved spending time with his family and friends.  He was a skilled storyteller, always willing to share a story that was entertaining and educational.

Oscar is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Margaret (Peggy) Bigelow Smith; sons, Franklin Oscar Smith, III and his wife, Phyllis Dyches, Steven Bigelow Smith and his wife, Shelly Brown, Michael Scott Smith, Sr. and his wife, Leslie Hintz and William Charles Smith; grandchildren, Matthew Steven Smith and his wife, Kristin Brandt, Barrett Alexander Smith and his wife, Hannah Bush, Morgan Claire Smith Thompson and her husband, Matthew Thompson, Michael Scott Smith, Jr., Ian Maxwell Smith and his wife, Kelly Sears, Brian Harold Smith.  Also surviving are his great-grandchildren, Smith Brighton Thompson, Delaney Reed Smith, Walter Allen Thompson, Maxwell Moon Smith, Brandt Steven Smith and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A private gathering of family and close friends will be held to share stories and celebrate Oscar’s long and wonderful life in the service of others. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Oscar and Peggy Smith Endowed Scholarship Fund at Wofford College, 429 N. Church Street, Attn: Office Philanthropy and Engagement, Spartanburg, SC 29303 (Wofford.edu/give (select “Other” Designation and reference the Oscar and Peggy Smith Endowed Scholarship as the Fund Designation)); or the Aldersgate Guardian Angel Fund (aldersgateliving.org).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.