Charles Wilton Smithers Sr.

Charles Wilton Smithers, Sr. (Tuffy), 94, passed away peacefully in Orange Park at Moosehaven Schmitz Hall on Friday, December 20, 2024.

He was born in Lewistown, PA on June 5, 1930 to Harriette Smith Smithers Locke and Raymond Clifford Smithers. His family moved to Riverside in Jacksonville in 1933. Tuffy graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1949 where he served as Senior Class President and quarterback for the Generals. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Ruth Patterson, in 1949 and joined the Marine Corps in 1950. He worked as a Service Manager for Duval Motor Company for many years.

Tuffy was an enthusiastic FSU fan. He spent his time fishing, golfing, gardening, antiquing, exploring genealogy and telling jokes and stories. In 2019, following the death of his wife of 69 years, Tuffy moved to Moosehaven and made many new friends. There he learned to play bridge, bowled and volunteered at Schmitz Hall.

He is survived by his children, Chuck Smithers (Julie) of Orange Park, FL and Becky Smithers Odom (Frank) of Ponte Vedra, FL, five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Tuffy’s family is grateful for the wonderful Moosehaven caregivers and therapists who served him at Peeler, Katherine Smith and Schmitz. The respect he was shown was a gift to his family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 1:00 pm in the Moosehaven Chapel in Orange Park.

Arrangements under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS GREENLAWN FUNERAL HOME. 4300 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 396-2522.