Albert Copeland Smarr

September 4, 1940 – October 29, 2025

Albert Copeland Smarr, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Wednesday morning, October 29th, 2025, at the age of 85. He faced his recent health challenges with the same determination and optimism that defined his life, remaining strong in spirit and will until God called him home.

Born on September 4, 1940, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Albert was the eldest son of Otis Copeland Smarr and Carolyn Elizabeth Taylor Smarr and the brother of Ronnie Smarr. He attended Myers Park High School, class of 1958, where he was an accomplished athlete, playing soccer and tennis.

Albert earned his undergraduate degree in Business from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He also played on the tennis and lacrosse teams. He went on to attend law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After passing the Georgia Bar, he established his law practice in Atlanta, GA where he practiced law for over 54 years. In addition to his distinguished legal career, he shared his knowledge and love of the law by teaching “Law for the Layman” at Emory University.

A man of many passions, Albert was a lifelong amateur radio enthusiast whose call sign, W4BTZ, was known to many across the globe. He began his amateur radio journey in 1954, competed internationally, and served as President of the Atlanta Amateur Radio Club. His curiosity and intellect extended far beyond radio. He was a proud member of MENSA and Intertel, a voracious reader, and a lover of learning. In his youth, he sang with the Charlotte Boys Choir and his love for music continued throughout his life.

Albert inspired a deep love of learning in his daughters, both of whom became educators. His clients and friends alike remember him not just as an exceptional attorney, but as a compassionate, honest, and generous man—someone who genuinely cared and always sought to help others.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Benedict, his daughters, Emilie Smarr and Carolyn Smarr, and his brother, Ronnie Smarr.

Albert will be remembered for his independent spirit, sharp intellect, and eloquence. A naturally warm and charismatic storyteller, he could captivate anyone with his words and wisdom. There will never be another quite like him, and the world is less colorful in his absence.

He often ended his emails with these words, “Take care, be well, and mind how you go.”

And that is how we will remember him.

A celebration of life will be held in Georgia and North Carolina in December, further details will be shared once arrangements have been made. Please no gifts, we would prefer you share stories of how you knew Albert Smarr and your memories of him in the comment section.