Charles Thomas Smith was born on May 24, 1941 in Thorpe West Virginia to Alice and Charlie Smith. He attended School in Gary, West Virginia before joining the United States Marine Corps.

After serving 6 years in the U.S. Marine Corps Charles joined the Ohio Army National Guard. He was a member of the Prince Hall Accepted Free Masons. He enjoyed a long retirement from Murphy’s Oil staying active and moving until the very end.

Charles met his wife Deborah at a dance, and after exchanging numbers the two courted for many years before marrying in 1988, in total they spent 49 wonderful years together with their three sons and five grandchildren.

Charles was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing racket ball for many years.  He was social, always chatting, and quick to make friends. A notorious early bird Charles would always arrive early often joking that he liked to “hurry up and wait” a habit he learned from his time in the military. He will be remembered by all as a man with a deep commitment to family. He was a dotting grandfather who invested time and love into each of his grandchildren imparting wisdom and the value of taking care of each other as he went.

Charles was preceded in death by his son, Carlos A. Smith. His sisters, Thelma Porter, Gladys Mckenzie, Naomi Powell, and Peggy Street. As well as his brothers, Lawrence Smith and James Joyce, and Rudolph.

He is survived by his loving wife Deborah Smith, sons, Roger Phillips (Mary) and Eric Phillips. His grandchildren Chadd A. Smith, Sierra Phillips, Erica Phillips, Aneesia Phillips, and Eric Phillips. Charles also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews along with many cherished friends.