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Funeral service will be 12:00 Noon on Monday, September 30, 2024, at New Beginning Christian Church, 3120 Alex Trask Dr, Castle Hayne, NC 28429.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.  Visitation is from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Carlton Smith, a cherished son, devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and hero to countless lives, peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the age of 80. Carlton, born on October 12, 1943, was the son of the late Annie Mae Walker and the late John K. Walker, and his life was a testament to love, laughter, and unwavering resilience.  Married to his high school sweetheart, Queen Smith, for nearly 57 years, Carlton and Queen created a nurturing home where their three daughters—Angie, Tonia  (Reuben), and Cara (Cedron)—were raised with love and joy. He took immense pride in his role as a father and grandfather, celebrating the achievements of his children and grandchildren: Chris, Ashley, Shiyana (Jonathan), Coraey, Randall, Tre, Carlton Caron, and Cayden. His heart swelled with joy as he embraced his role as a great-grandfather to Liam, Chloe, Jaxon, Shiloh, and Jireh.  Carlton was known for his warmth, generosity, and infectious sense of humor, capable of illuminating any room. His laughter and vibrant spirit created treasured memories for all who crossed his path. Alongside Queen, he fostered a home that was a welcoming haven, where family and friends gathered for hearty meals, shared stories, and abundant joy.  A proud graduate of Williston Senior High School, Carlton exemplified duty and service during his time in the U.S. Army. From a young age, he embraced his role as a protective big brother, taking care of his younger siblings and instilling the values of love and responsibility in them.  In his early career, Carlton served as a police officer with the Wilmington Police Department, later dedicating over 25 years to United Parcel Service (UPS) as a respected leader and shop steward, fostering camaraderie among his colleagues. Carlton received his professional photography certificate from the New York institute of Photography in 1982 and he along with Alexander Brown and Sam Grady owned and operated BG&S Photography Studio.  Known for his kindness and mentorship, Carlton had an extraordinary gift for connecting with others, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many young men, whom he inspired with his legacy of strength, hard work, and humility.  A true jack of all trades, Carlton earned the affectionate title of the "Mayor" of 17th and Ann Streets for his talent in fixing things and dispensing wise advice. His contributions to the community will be remembered for generations. As a beloved uncle, he embraced his nieces and nephews with the same love and care he extended to his own children, always looking out for their well-being. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting with his porch buddies: Eddie Davis, Lawrence Epps, Clarence "Foot's" Williams, Maceo Stallings, Earl Stallings, Marks Moore, Terrell Hansley and Daquan Franks. Carlton is predeceased by his brothers, George Smith, Walter Smith, and Lee B. Smith; his son-in-law, Roderick Stallings; father-in-law, Reverend Willie Alford, and his mother-in-law, Azalee Alford. In addition to his devoted wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his brother, Howard Wells (Thelma); sisters, Carolyn Stallings (Maceo), Jacqueline Burnett (Alfred), and Brenda Wilson (Warren); sisters-in-law, Rosa Fullwood and Vivian Smith; a special nephew and niece, Bryan Wilson and Kayla Vault; his lifelong friends who were like brothers: Jerry Shaw, Sam Grady, and William "Bill" Brown; many nephews, nieces, godsons and goddaughters, other relatives and friends. Though Carlton may no longer be with us, his love, laughter, and enduring legacy will continue to illuminate the lives of all who were fortunate to know him. He will be profoundly missed and cherished in our hearts. May he rest in peace, secure in the knowledge that he was deeply loved.