Mr. Christopher "Chris'' Matthew Smith, 31, of Salisbury, passed away on Monday, April 17,
2023 in Dallas, Texas. Chris was born on February 11, 1992 in Salisbury, North Carolina.

A 2010 graduate from West Rowan High School where he played on the varsity basketball
and football teams. Chris also played basketball for AAU team.
In 2010, Chris received a full scholarship to play football at the University of Arkansas. During his time in Arkansas, he became a standout football player which caught the attention of NFL scouts. In 2014, Chris was blessed to be drafted in the fifth round of the NFL by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Chris played eight seasons in the NFL.He played forJacksonville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Las Vegas and Houston. Chris also had short stints in Carolina and Baltimore. Chris had most recently been signed by the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons. Chris was not only a football player, but also loved music and singing.

He sang with the Young Messengers men's group at Shady Grove Baptist Church at Mt. Ulla, North Carolina.

Left to cherish his memories are his parents, William and Sherry Smith of Salisbury, N.C., three daughters, Alaina Grace Smith, Haven Harris Smith and Amina Marie Smith of Charlotte, N.C,one son, Jayceon Matthew Smith of Pearland, Texas, one sister Diamond (Patrick) Jones of China Grove, N.C., two nieces and one nephew, Liberty, Ava and Avery Jones of China Grove,N.C. and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services are Saturday April 29, at 1:00 at Gethesmane Baptist Church viewing will be allowed at the church until funeral hour, family will receive friends when they arrive, there will no viewing or seating at the church prior to visitation. Burial will be in Rowan Memorial Park, public viewing Friday 11:00 - 6:00 p.m. please no cameras are allowed in the church or funeral home. Please respect the late Chris Smith and his family.

Rowan Funeral Services is assisting the Smith family.