Lon Hayes Smith was a successful investment banker and financial adviser who passed away in August 2021. He was the father of Whitney Sudler-Smith, the creator and producer of the Bravo TV show Southern Charm, and the ex-husband of Patricia Altschul, the socialite and art collector who stars in the same show. But how much was Lon Hayes Smith’s net worth at the time of his death? And what did he do to earn his fortune?
Lon Hayes Smith’s Career and Education
Lon Hayes Smith was born in 1937 and graduated from the University of West Virginia in 1959 with a B.S. in Business. He started his career at Paine Webber, a prominent brokerage firm, and later moved to E.F. Hutton, another leading financial company. He retired in 2004 as the senior vice president of Morgan Stanley, one of the largest investment banks in the world.
According to his obituary in The Washington Post, Lon Hayes Smith was “a respected and trusted adviser to many high net worth individuals, foundations, and institutions.” He was also “a generous philanthropist who supported many causes, especially those related to education, health, and the arts.”
Lon Hayes Smith’s Marriages and Family
Lon Hayes Smith was married three times in his life. His first wife was Patricia Altschul, whom he married in 1962 when she was 20 years old. They had one son, Whitney Sudler-Smith, who was born in 1968. Whitney is a filmmaker and director who created the reality show Southern Charm, which follows the lives of socialites in Charleston, South Carolina. Patricia is also a cast member of the show and is known for her lavish lifestyle and witty remarks.
Lon Hayes Smith and Patricia Altschul divorced in 1979, after 15 years of marriage. Patricia later married Edward Stitt Fleming, a doctor, and Arthur Altschul, a billionaire banker and philanthropist, who both died in 1995 and 2002, respectively.
Lon Hayes Smith’s second wife was Lindsley Wheeler Smith, whom he married in 1983. They remained married until his death in 2021. Lindsley is a former model and actress who appeared in movies such as The Stepford Wives and The Great Gatsby. She is also a painter and a writer who published a memoir titled Model Behavior in 2017.
Lon Hayes Smith had two stepchildren from Lindsley’s previous marriage to John C. Wheeler, a lawyer and Vietnam veteran who was found murdered in 2010. The stepchildren are John C. Wheeler IV and Katherine Wheeler.
Lon Hayes Smith’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
Lon Hayes Smith’s net worth was estimated to be above $100 million in 2022, according to Gossip Next Door. He earned his wealth from his long and successful career in the financial industry, as well as from his investments and philanthropy.
Lon Hayes Smith lived in a luxurious mansion in McLean, Virginia, with his wife Lindsley. The house, which was built in 1989, has six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a pool, a tennis court, and a library. It is valued at $6.5 million, according to Zillow.
Lon Hayes Smith also owned a penthouse apartment in New York City, which he bought in 1999 for $4.5 million, according to The New York Times. The apartment, which is located on the 32nd floor of the Trump Tower, has three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a fireplace, and a terrace. It offers stunning views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
Lon Hayes Smith enjoyed traveling, golfing, skiing, and collecting art. He was a member of several prestigious clubs, such as the Metropolitan Club, the Chevy Chase Club, and the Burning Tree Club. He was also a patron of the arts and supported various museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.
Lon Hayes Smith was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be missed by many. He left behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and charm.