Charlie Smith Dannelly, an American politician and retired educator, died on February 25, 2026.
He served as a Democratic member of the North Carolina Senate from 1994 to 2013, representing the 33rd and later the 38th district, which included constituents in Mecklenburg County. A retired educator from Charlotte, North Carolina, he served several years as Deputy President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Before entering politics in 1977, Dannelly was a teacher and principal. He was born in Bishopville, South Carolina, on August 13, 1924, and served in the Korean War as a first lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division.
Charlie Smith Dannelly (August 13, 1924 – February 25, 2026) was an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the North Carolina Senate, who represented the 33rd (and later 38th) district from 1994 to 2013. His district includes constituents in Mecklenburg County. A retired educator from Charlotte, North Carolina, Dannelly served several years as Deputy President Pro Tempore of the Senate.