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William Charles Smith, “Charlie,” was born January 7, 1948 in Tallahassee, Florida and went on to become a faithful follower of Christ, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, man of great integrity, honored U.S. Air Force Veteran, and an avid FSU football fan. He was wise, committed, strong, steady, protective, loyal, affectionate, kind, slow to anger and slow to speak, a man of grace, and a true gentleman. He loved camping, fishing, playing golf, water skiing, shooting off fireworks on the 4th, grilling out while listening to “Oldies but Goldies”, cheering on his FSU seminoles, singing, listening to Christmas songs and classic rock, playing his guitar, eating a tower of chocolate covered eclairs, telling corny Dad jokes, reading and sharing history facts, playing cards with his family, delighting in his grandchildren and always being quick to wrap them up in great big bear hugs. He was married to his bride, Gretchen, for 50 years…their wedding anniversary is April 12, 1969. Together they share a true, rare, and remarkable love story; as well as 3 children: Adrian, Erin, and Brent, who will remember their daddy as an example of how Christ loves the church, a man that set an example of what it means to love his wife and his family first and foremost. The apple of his eye were all of his 5 grandchildren: Hampton, Taylor, Cooper, Anna Kate, and Braven. And oh, how they adore their “Pops”! He loved us all so well, and as he entered into the presence of his Savior on February 19, 2020, we were blessed to speak truth and love over him about the amazing man he was and will always be to us! Although our hearts are sad and missing him deeply, we are also joyful that he is experiencing right now the greatness of Christ’s love…and how wide, how long, how high, and how deep it is!(Ephesians 3:18).
Please join Charlie’s beloved wife, children, sons in law, grandchildren, and friends for a celebration of his life and to share memories together on March 7, 2020 at 2 P.M. The memorial service will be at St. Mark UMC in Columbus, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests to have donations sent to Columbus Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
The Smith family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 7500 Veterans Parkway, Suite A, Columbus, Georgia 31909, 706-577-0055. The family invites you to leave a condolence or share a fond memory of Mr. Smith below.
Ty and Tracy Niblack says
We have known Charlie for years because of St. Mark UMC. He and Gretchen were some of the first people we met there. Charlie has always taken the time to speak with and encourage us, especially on our walk with Christ. He always had a soft spoken gentleness, humor, and charisma about him that is so rare. He is no doubt walking and talking with our savior now. He will be greatly missed.
Clinton Smith says
R. I. P. Charlie.
Julie McElroy says
It saddens me to hear this news about my cousin Charlie. He was a good man and will be missed. My deepest sympathy to Gretchen and his family.
Jamie Merritt says
I’m so saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. My memories of Charlie surround children’s camp at St Mark at Pine Cove. He would bring his guitar, play, and help lead the kids to worship Jesus. He served in many ways during kids camp every year. He even was the “unbiased” judge at Kangaroo court! Great memories. He was always very kind. A generous man who loved Gretchen and his church family. Gretchen, you and your family are in my prayers. Asking the Lord to supply all your comfort. 2 Corinthians 1
Stephanie (Karas) Watson says
Praying for the Lord’s peace and comfort for your family during this time.
Linda & Bruce McIver says
We have such fond memories over the past 40 years of enjoying FSU football games with Charlie and Gretchen, both home and away, and even bowl games, especially the national championship game in the Rose Bowl a few years ago. He was a special friend and will be greatly missed. Love and prayers to the family.
Lois Cain says
Charlie and Gretchen are a couple to be admired and emulated. They did more for me and my children than I can write down. I am grateful for that. I love this family and will miss Charlie. Love and prayers to Gretchen, Adrian, Erin, Brent and all of the family. Lois and Philip Cain
Linda says
Charlie Smith was the embodiment of the Christian virtues of joy, love, peace, kindness, goodness, patience, faithfulness, Gentleness and self control. Our prayers are with lovely Gretchen and all of this beautiful family.
Love,
Wallace and Linda Twiggs
Allen Ginn says
Where do you even start with trying to tell a memory with Mr Charlie? I am lucky enough to say that I have too many great memories with Mr Charlie and Ms Gretchen to share just one. Things like being stuck in the mud in the church van in Arizona (which later that night Mr Charlie wrote a song about) to the many kids camps and even my confirmation retreat way back when. I can tell you they didn’t come any better than Charlie Smith. The way he loved the lord was an example that we should all strive for. There were so many things that he was teaching us kids even when he didn’t know he was teaching. As a young man I saw the way he absolutely adored Ms Gretchen. He was teaching us how a man is supposed to treat his wife. See in reality this family is much larger. Mr Charlie and Ms Gretchen had hundreds of kids over the years that they loved as their own. I was just lucky enough to be able to say I was one. Mr Charlie we love you and we will miss you but the memories of the great times we had together will never be forgotten. I know you are having a wonderful time up there and if you see my Paw tell him hello.
Mike Hamilton says
Charlie Smith was my friend. He was a good man. An honest man. A family man. We were air traffic controllers together during a difficult time. We worked, we fished, we crabbed, we camped together. Our children, and we, grew up together. He loved them Seminoles and I was a Gator. He fished bass. I was a salt water guy. We were friends! We are natives, generational. We raised some hell in our younger years. We were younger then.
I know the grandkids changed him a bit. They damn sure did for me! Best experience in life. Glad it happened for us dudes. Surprise, surprise!!!!
Life’s a beach, and then ya die. It’s the mark you leave that defines your life. Charlie left a mark, an admirable mark. I give my old friend an A+. That pic, that smile says it all. Best smile ever!!
Gretchen………………….we will see him again. He was the love of your life. You were the love of his life. He was my friend.
Gods blessing on Charlie Smith.
If I may; a shout out to McIver. Sunk any boats lately?!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lennon Moore says
So sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Condolences to Charlie’s family and friends.
Christie Scalera says
Gretchen,
I am heartbroken over the earthly loss of our dear, sweet Charlie! I can say that, since childhood, he is one of the nicest people I have had the priviledge of knowing. And I feel so proud that “I brought the two of you together”! : ) It is obvious by the other comments he touched so many lives and definitely made the world a better place.
My deepest sympathies to you, your children and grandchildren. May God bless you with His strength and peace.
With love, Christie
Bonnie Clark harris says
I Agree with all of the above dear friends of Charlie. I remember him fondly from our high school days. God bless his dear family during this sad loss
Jane Corbett Shimeall says
Gretchen and family,
I am so sad to read the news about Charlie. I have such fond memories of him and feel so lucky to have had such a sweet friend throughout high school. Please know that you are in my prayers during this sad time.
Love, Jane
Franklin Thompson says
Gretchen, Charlie and I grew up two blocks from each other and have been friends since first grade at Kate Sullivan. I lived on 7th Ave. and he lived on Crestview Ave. My Wife and I have lived about 6 houses down on Crestview, since 1979, from where Charlie used to live. The driveway of our house, where we live, is where he and I used to hunt for rocks when we would get out of school. Of course, we lost track of each other after we graduated from Leon but I was able to see him at his Mom’s funeral a few years ago. Lots of good memories from many years ago. Also, My Wife and I were married April 12, 1969. My sincere prayers for you and your family.
Charles Sellars says
He was a great high school basket ball play at Leon. He was always so cheerful to be around. All of us in the class of “66” will miss hm. OurTN condolences to his sweet wife and family!
Jason Thorne says
So many great memories. Rest now Mr. Charlie.
Doug wilson says
Dear Gretchen, we just discovered that Charlie has passed away. Doug and I were looking at pictures of Doug’s 50 birthday celebration when you and Charlie were kind enough to come to Birmingham to help celebrate.
I decided to look on Google to see if we could locate you and that’s when we read about Charlie.
The obituary is so beautifully written and it certainly is God honoring.
I hope you will be able to read this message for we want you to know how much you contributed to our times as friends “in the old days. “
We will remember you all in our prayers.
Doug & Judy Wilson