Charlie Smith Dannelly (born August 13, 1924) was an American politician who was a Democratic member of the North Carolina General Assembly, representing the state's thirty-eighth Senate district between 1995 and 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. In 2012, Dannelly, then the longest-serving lawmaker representing Mecklenburg County, filed to run for another term but due to his wife's deteriorating health, he dropped out and endorsed another candidate in the Democratic primary, Joel Ford.

Biography

Before entering politics in 1977, Dannelly was a teacher and principal. He served during the Korean War as a first lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division. Dannelly made 50 parachute jumps and earned the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Star. He served on the Charlotte City Council from 1977 until 1989. Dannelly turned 100 in August 2024.