Charlie Smith

Passed away on August 20, 2015 at the age of 71. Charlie was born July 16, 1944 in Washington, DC to Lawrence Stanfield and Pauline (Mitchell) Smith. Charlie was the owner and operator of Smith Floral and Greenhouse and was most recently named the 2015 Retailer of the Year by the Michigan Florist Association and was recognized in the Top 100 Teleflora Florists, nationally. He was a past Board Member of the MSU Alumni Association of Ingham County and was a Phi Gamma Delta. Charlie was an active member of the South Lansing Business Association, the Lansing Jaycees, Lansing Rotary, Lansing Host Lion’s Club and the Power Squadron. He loved his family, his community, the floral industry, the Spartans and Coca Cola, amassing a wonderful collection of memorabilia throughout the years. Charlie was one of the kindest, most caring and selfless individuals you could meet. His interest in others was sincere and rapid fire. He was a gentle man and a genuine friend.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Lawrence Munro Smith; nephew, “Little Larry”; and step-mother, Gertrude Smith. Surviving is his wife of 30 years, Karen; sons, Christopher and Spencer; daughter, Abby; siblings, Peter (Mary) Robinson and Sally (David) Trout; sister-in-law, Holly (Ron) Wellbaum and very special niece, Kristi Klemmer. Memorial Celebrations will be held Friday, August 28, 2015, 4-9 pm and Saturday, August 29, 11-4 pm. Sharing and Remembrances will be held Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 2 pm. All will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI. In lieu of donations, please send flowers. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Lansing Chapel. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com