Dr. Charles "Chuck" Smith

Chuck was born on June 16, 1942, in Springfield, the son of Mildred Smith. He married Judith “Judy” Anne Kelly on October 9, 1966. She preceded him in death on June 6, 2021.

Chuck worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for over 25 years. After retirement, he completed his Ph.D. in Economics from Illinois State University (ISU) and was a professor at ISU, the University of Illinois at Springfield, and MacMurray College. He was a dedicated member of the Army National Guard for over 30 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking, painting, serving at his church, and spending time with family and friends. Chuck had a unique flair for singing “Happy Birthday”, and he had a positive impact on everyone with his kind spirit, giving nature, and sense of humor.

He was also preceded in death by his mother, and sister, Judy Sodaro.

Chuck is survived by his sons, Jeff (Kelly) Smith of West Chicago, and Jason (Val) Smith of Champaign; daughter, Jennifer Moore of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Jessica, Nicki, Keely, Kamryn, and Maddie; and siblings, Shirley (Earnie) Jones, Mary Navkal, and Rudy (Jane) Lederer.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL. Funeral Ceremony will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Dr. Mark Jones officiating.

Graveside Ceremony: 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL 62704, or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.