Luther Smith, landscape architect for city projects, remembered as mentor, leader

Community members are mourning the loss of Luther Smith, known as a mentor to many who left his own personal touches throughout the city of Hendersonville.

Smith’s landscape architectural firm, Luther Smith & Associates, was involved in the redesign of Main Street and planning projects for Seventh Avenue.

He was a mentor and leader to the Boys Scouts, and known as an outdoorsman and conservationist. Smith was seen as a leader in his field.

Luther Smith & Associates, along with the city of Hendersonville, were presented with an award for Best Outdoor Space Improvement for the Downtown Hendersonville Main Street Streetscape Rehabilitation Project in the 2014 N.C. Main Street Awards competition.

Smith had an impact on many in the landscape architecture business. Hunter Marks with Watermark Landscape Architecture described Smith as a leader in his field.

“He was the father of landscape architecture in Western North Carolina,” Marks said. “Few did not work for or with Luther in this area.”

Smith’s legacy and designs are prominent on Main Street, Marks emphasized. He also left his marks on local parks and streetscapes.

Marks remembers his colleague as a mentor, excellent designer, outdoorsman and conservationist.

“He will really be missed,” Marks said.

Smith was also an Eagle Scout, and kept up his involvement with the Boys Scouts.

James Leveritt met Smith around 15 years ago through Scouting, and from the start he had an impression of him as an outdoorsman and a leader.

Boy Scouts were an important aspect in Smith’s life, Leveritt, the current Terrora District advancement chairman, explained.

Along with being an Eagle Scout, Smith served as a Scout Master for Troop 601 and Terrora District Advancement Chairman, and received numerous awards and recognitions.

Smith earned the title of Distinguished Eagle Scout, which is a national honor, Leveritt said. He was a local guide for many involved in the Eagle Scout process.

“He wasn’t just a mentor to youth; he was a mentor to a lot of adults as well, whether it be in scouts or his profession,” Leveritt said.

Smith was involved in other local organizations as well.

“Our hearts are heavy with the passing of our former member Luther Smith early this morning,” the Four Seasons Rotary Club sated in a Facebook post Wednesday. “He will always be remembered for his many contributions to our club and community. He had transferred his membership to Pisgah Forest Rotary Club but we will always call him one of our own.”