Bryan Stephen Smith

Bryan Stephen Smith, 54, of Fort Mill died Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Bryan was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2008. His strength shown following the diagnoses was an inspiration.  

Born Oct. 7, 1961, Bryan was raised in Fort Mill, SC. He was the son of Joyce Howey Smith Griffin and the late Mason Baker Smith. Bryan was only 2 years old when he lost his father and was raised by his mother, a single parent, until she remarried in 1969. At that time they moved to Spartanburg, SC where he attended Dorman High School. Following high school Bryan attended Spartanburg Technical College earning an associates degree in business.

Bryan had a love for animals. His passion for working with animals combined with his background and interest in business developed into a lifelong career.

His work began as a veterinarian technician in Jacksonville, FL. After relocating to Fort Mill in 1992, Bryan continued his work as a veterinarian technician eventually leading him to employment with the Humane Society of Charlotte where he worked for over 15 years advancing to a management position.  One of Bryan’s favorite hobbies was to attend, participate and enter local and regional dog shows. His dog Jade was an award winning Lasa Apso. His pets were a big part of his life. Other pets included Sapphire a Siamese cat and two other Lasa Apsos Onyx and Wrigley. Bryan was devoted to his pets but the companionship, which they provided him through the last years of his life, was truly a gift to him.

Bryan was an avid reader and activist. He was deeply involved with environmental, political and local concerns, which led him to run for Fort Mill Town Council in 2007 and 2008 as the Green Party Candidate. More information about Bryan can be found at www.greenpartywatch.org. He was a regular contributor for the “Politics” column in the YC Magazine from approximately 2008-2012.

Bryan is survived by his mother, Joyce Griffin; his sister, Allison Griffin and his brother, Dr. Christopher Griffin of Fort Mill.

The funeral was held at 4 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2016, at the Chapel of Wolfe Funeral Home, with the Rev. Sally Franklin officiating. Burial was at Unity Cemetery. Visitation was held at 3 p.m. one hour prior to the funeral service.

Condolences may be made at www.wolfefuneralhome.com.