Mr. Charles Augustus Smith, Jr., 86, of Granite Falls passed away Friday, December 30, 2022 at Catawba Valley Medical Center following a period of declining health.
Charles was born March 15, 1936 in Chester, SC to the late Charles Smith, Sr. and Ruth Colvin Smith.
Along with three of his sisters, who were also Military Veterans, Charles served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Concluding service, he proudly enrolled at the University of South Carolina, graduating with a degree in accounting. He remained an avid supporter of the university and a huge fan of their two-time national championship baseball team. Few knew he was a master of throwing the knuckle ball, which his kids can attest were a challenge to catch.
His dedication to his wife of 63 years and family were his lifeline, and for his sons who played countless rounds of golf with him, he was the only champion golfer they needed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Boan, Helen Todnem, Mildred Bagley, and Betty Shugart; and sister-in-law, Gladys Buckner.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Bernice Buckner Smith of the home; children, Chris Smith and wife Beth of Newton, Jennifer “Jenny” Smith Thomas and fiancé Jeff Stapleton of Olathe, KS, and Jason Smith and wife Liz Pahl of Athens, OH; grandchildren, Jessica Smith of Newton, Jordan Thomas and wife Anna of Fresno, CA, and Jacob Thomas and wife Jessica of Lawrence, KS, Sofia Smith of Athens, OH and Vera Smith of Athens, OH; and great grandchild, Lydia Smith.
The family will receive friends Friday, January 6, 2023 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at Mackie Funeral Service.
I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Charles passing my thoughts and prayers are with you all Bernice Chris Jenny and Jason . He and your mother were someone I always admired .
Friends are a special gift and Charles was a special gift and a golf buddy.We will miss his call saying wondering how you are doing. Charlie was a man of integrity and a thoughtful friend. You will be missed. I think you will have a perfect game in the great golf course in the sky today. Bernice loved working with you in school all those years. Thank you for your friendship. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Chris, Jenny, and Jason we see so much of your dad in you and know we are keeping you and rest of family in our thoughts and prayers. You are loved dearly
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. Our most sincere condolences.
Jennifer – The entire Schuster family is saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. We are grieving with you, Jordan and Jacob. We are remembering you in prayer as you navigate your grief and loss. We love you.
I will miss you Charles.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Uncle Charles was greatly loved by all 4 of his sisters & all the rest of us – his nieces & nephews & his bother in-laws & countless others .
Respectful, kind, & handsome I expect all who knew him felt the same.
Ross & I hope for you-his family. Memories make us mindful of the fact that nothing in this Life last forever. Time is precious so we are keeping you in our memories & prayers .
With love , Ruth Shugart Gladden & husband W. Ross Gladden, Jr & our family
Charles will be greatly missed. He was such a sweet man and he and Berniece were always such a delight. I was their care giver for a few years but loved them as family. My heart is broken. Till we meet again great friends.