Charles R. "Chuck" Smith

He was born January 20, 1928 in Webster, Florida and came to Brooksville 62 years ago from Bristol, Florida.  He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.  When his tour of duty was complete, he enrolled in the University of Florida, where he earned his degree in agriculture in 1953.  He was a great man and an integral part in helping his community serving as the County Agriculture Agent for Liberty and Hernando County.  He was elected to the Hernando County Commission in 1966 and served 12 years, including 3 of those years as chairman.  In 1978 he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he served until 1992.  During his legislative tenure, he made it his mission to protect agriculture and the natural resources on which the industry depends.  In 1992 he took over as CEO for the Florida Poultry Federation where he served until his retirement in 2008.  His dedication to public service and the agricultural community won him many awards and honors.  However, he would tell you that his greatest accomplishment was his family, who he loved dearly.  He was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church of Brooksville.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mildred Wynns Smith.  He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Randy & Patty Smith of Brooksville, Florida and David Smith of Orlando, Florida; daughter, Linda Chatman of Brooksville, Florida; five grandchildren, Randy Smith Jr., Kimberly Smith Eppley, Erin Chatman Sullivan, Beth Chatman Thompson, and Bret Chatman; 14 great-grandchildren.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00am-1:00pm, Saturday, January 9, 2021 at the Brooksville Common, where Funeral Services begin at 1:00pm, with Reverend David Hope officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to

the Hernando County 4-H or the Hernando High School FFA.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

(352)796-6699

"Family Owned & Operated"

www.merrittfuneral.com