Charles Smiley

Charles Smiley, son of the late Wilbur and Annie Mae Smiley, was born on January 21, 1936, in Selma, Alabama. He joined his Dad in Albion in 1954 when he took a job working at the Parker Inn of Albion. In May of 1955, he went to work at the Albion Malleable Iron Company and was employed there until he retired on October 1, 1988.

Shortly after arriving in Albion, Charles joined his family in uniting with Lewis Chapel A.M.E. Church in Albion where he remained a faithful member until moving out of the city.

Charles met Delores Mixon in July 1966 and married her on October 29, 1966. To this union was born four children—Charles Anthony, Christopher John, Kevin Scott, and Anita Delores. In 1990 Charles and his family moved to Adrian, Michigan where his wife began work with Siena Heights University. In 1994, Charles, Delores and Anita moved to Davie, Florida where his wife completed her doctoral degree. When they decided to make South Florida their home, they settled in Plantation, Florida in 1996.

Charles favorite past times were hunting and fishing, good music, and spending time with family and friends.

Charles was a devoted Christian and the Patriarch of Smiley Family Ministries (non-denominational) church for the past twelve years. He was a firm believer in the well being of family and the love of mankind. He was friendly to everyone and considered no one a stranger. Charles had a smile and “hello” for everyone he met.

Charles made his transition from this world to his heavenly home on December 25, 2013, as he quietly slept away at home during the early morning hour. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers—Bill, John T., and Wilbur, Jr.; and two sisters—Mary Elizabeth Blake and Della Mae Banks. He is survived by five children: Charles Anthony (Kanisse) Smiley, Coral Springs, FL; Christopher John (Yanick) Smiley, Lauderhill, FL; Kevin Scott (Shannon) Smiley of Port St. Lucie; Anita D. Smiley of Plantation, FL; and Tim Avant (Felicia) of Albion, MI. He is also survived by two sisters—Alberta Lindsay of Simpsonville, South Carolina and Eva Bell Clark of Albion, Michigan; one brother—Robert (Jeannette) Smiley of Albion, Michigan; nine grandchildren—Tamara (Joe Randall) Lane , Albion, MI; Carnell M. Smiley, Jonathan S. Smiley, Anthony D. Smiley of Coral Springs, FL; Kierra M. Smiley and Kavon S. Smiley of Port St. Lucie; Christopher J. Smiley of Lauderhill, FL; Teneshia and Monique White of Battle Creek, Michigan; and three great grandchildren—Elijah White of Battle Creek; Joe Grinston II and Tamaj Grinston of Albion, Michigan. Also surviving Charles includes a host of relatives, friends, and neighbors.