Hubert Paul Smithof Charlotte, N.C.Hubert Paul Smith, 69, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 10, 2006. He personified loyalty, respect, and dedication. He was a devoted husband, father, friend to many, and a true gentleman to all. Hubie was an avid bowler, sports fan, and golfer. He was a loyal fan of the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Braves and truly loved to be a part of any sporting event. Over the years he has had many hobbies and interests, including traveling, wooden duck carving, photography, tailgating at Carolina Panthers games, Tom Clancy novels, music, and food. In fact, he often stated that he "never had a bad meal. Some were just better than others". He was retired from IBM after a 41 ½-year career at various management levels. As a devout Catholic, he was an active parishioner at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte, N.C., and is a former parishioner at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Endicott, N.Y. He received his degree from Broome Technical College in Binghamton, N.Y., after attending Union-Endicott High School and graduating from Sunrise High School in Daytona Beach, Fla. He also graduated, in spirit, from Purdue University, Syracuse Univeristy, and UNC-Charlotte as he and his late wife worked tirelessly to put their children through college. Hubie is preceded in death by his elegant wife, Marlene. He is survived by his loving daughter, Sheri; son, Shawn; daughter-in-law, Kimberly; granddaughters, Reagan and Lauren; brother, Jim; sister-in-law, Donna; stepbrother, Jim O'Hara and his wife, Evelyn; mother-in-law, Mary Guarnieri; sister-in-law, Claudette Drankoski; brother-in-law, Michael Drankoski; niece, Erin Drankoski; and several aunts, nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends. He is also survived by his devoted and loving friend, Kim Martin. He loved her dearly. Hubie always did anything he could for his family and friends. His first concern was always for that of others. In short, Hubie lived his life the "right" way. He was unselfish, honorable, honest, kind, giving, caring, loving, gracious, humble, unflappable, enthusiastic, and forward thinking. He never looked back. His keen business savvy is to be admired. His caring eyes and subtle grin let everyone know that things would always work out fine. He is his children's idol and will be missed by everyone.Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 15, 2006, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd., Charlotte, N.C. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, December 14, 2006, from 7-9 p.m. at Harry and Bryant Company, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28207. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Gabriel Parish Benevolent Fund, 3016 Providence Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28211.