Yates Clayton Smith

Yates Clayton Smith

December 14, 1942 – October 18, 2026

Yates C. Smith died Sunday, October 18, 2026. Yates was born in North Belmont, NC to Nell Cloninger Smith and James Thomas Smith.

He graduated from Belmont High School in 1960. While in high school, he enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard. He retired with 24 years of service. He worked for the North Carolina Forest Service as the Gaston County Ranger for 14 years. Then he joined his dad in the construction business and became a construction supervisor overseeing the construction of many commercial and residential buildings in Charlotte and surrounding areas. He transferred his skills to work with Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services as a Code Enforcement Officer. He retired from Mecklenburg County in 2008. In retirement he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, skydiving, boating and travel with family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers James Roy Smith and Eric Miles Smith and his sister Jill Renee Smith Baird.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Nancy Katz Smith, daughter Yvette Smith Rainey (Keith) of Auburn, Georgia; and son, Matthew Taylor Smith (April) of Gastonia; grandsons, Johnathan Whitney Spiecha and Christian Patrick Spiecha; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for visitation from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel with Reverend Rusty Rushing and Chaplain Dennis Godfrey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com