Zachary Duane Smith

Zachary Duane Smith, 30, of Mooresville, entered into the Church Triumphant on Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by family, friends, and his beloved dog, Macy. He was born in Mecklenburg County on May 10, 1995 to Mark and Patrice Smith, and proud big sister, Charlotte.

He was a graduate of South Rowan High School in 2013 and later received his Associate of Arts from Rowan Cabarrus Community College in 2015. He was a lifelong learner, wise beyond his years, and enjoyed spending his free time reading as much as possible. He thoroughly enjoyed learning about religion, politics, history, and racing, and enjoyed sharing what he learned with his family and friends. In addition to reading, Zachary enjoyed writing and penned a book in his 20s, as well as a published blog, “Keep Calm and Roll On.”

One of Zach’s favorite quotes was, "It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years," by Abraham Lincoln. We believe in Zach’s thirty years he was able to make his life count. First and foremost, he lived his life to glorify God and share the love of Jesus with everyone he met. Zachary was an endowed member of the Eureka Masonic Lodge #283, honorably serving as an officer in multiple positions. In 2019, he was awarded Mason of the Year for the Eureka Lodge. He enjoyed his annual week at MDA Camp, countless time spent with family and friends, trips with family to Walt Disney World, New York City, Niagara Falls, the Ark Encounter, and many trips to the beach. One of his proudest moments in life was becoming Uncle and Godfather to his nephew, Graham.

Throughout his life, Zachary was cared for by many. His mom and dad were his sole caregivers, and they dedicated their lives to giving him the fullest and most comfortable life possible. His sister, Charlotte was his protector until his last breath. His brother-in-law, Jared, was the big brother he always wanted, and his favorite person to give his sister a hard time with. His best friends Rajan, Joey, Jordan, and Vance stayed by his side and loved him well to the very end. Keith Porter was Zach’s aid throughout the years he attended school but was so much more to Zach than just a helping hand - he was a friend, a mentor, and a guiding hand in Zach’s spiritual life. Eric Alwran was Zach’s MDA Camp Counselor and also became the big brother he always wanted. Todd Dewy has been there since Zach’s diagnosis as a close family friend and wheelchair repair extraordinaire. Pastor Larry Bost, Pastor Ken Reed, and Pastor Carlin Ours were influential individuals in Zachary’s spiritual life and were always there to answer the deeper questions he came up with. In addition to these incredible individuals, there are so many others who touched Zach’s life, and for that, we are so very thankful.

A special thank you to the Sanger Heart Failure Team at Atrium Health Cabarrus, Carolina Caring Hospice, and the nurses and CNAs who provided him exceptional care in his last days.

Those left to cherish his memory include the following: his parents, Mark and Patrice Smith; sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte and Jared Taunton; Nephew, Graham; and countless friends.

A celebration of Zach’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2025, at Concordia Lutheran Church in the Family Life Center 185 Concordia Church Road China Grove, NC 28023. Visitation will follow the service in the church Family Life Center. In Zach’s honor, please feel free to dress casual for his service. His favorite colors were blue and hot pink.

En leu of flowers please send donations to: The FRIENDS Foundation PO Box 335 Linwood, NC 27299; Concordia Lutheran Church 185 Concordia Church Road China Grove, NC 28023

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28