Charles Edward Smith Sr.

Born and raised in rural Georgia, Charles was grounded in faith and carried with him a deep appreciation for hard work, family, and the simple joys of life. His journey took him from the Georgia countryside into military service, a chapter of his life that reflected his deep love for his country and his steadfast sense of duty. Through his service, he eventually made his way to Texas, a place he came to love and proudly call home for the rest of his life.

Charles served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, retiring honorably on March 31, 1994, at the rank of Sergeant Major. For his next adventure, he opened Decks-R-Us and later C & S Custom Homes. Although he officially retired for a second time in 2018, Charles never really stopped working. He continued building, repairing, and helping friends, neighbors, and special clients for as long as he could.

Charles was never one to seek attention or make a fuss. He was happiest outdoors—hunting in the woods, patiently waiting for the next bite while fishing, or enjoying a peaceful morning on the golf course. Those moments reflected who he was: calm, grounded, and content in the company of nature, the Lord, and the people he loved.

To his family, Charles was their rock. He was the person everyone turned to because he was unshakable and dependable in every sense of the word. He was the kind of man who showed up, kept his promises, and could always be counted on when it mattered most. If Charles said he would be there, he was there.

He led by example, teaching his children and grandchildren the value of commitment, integrity, taking care of others, and true dedication. He taught these lessons not only through his proud military career, but through the everyday ways he showed up for the people he loved.

His greatest joy was his family. Charles shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories with his wife, Margaret. Together they built a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and the many simple moments that become the most treasured memories.

He was a proud father to his three children, Maria (Joe), Charlie and his wife Leslie and Rebecca. He loved his grandchildren Kristie (Dan), Alyssa (Josh), Joey (Allyson), Chase, Colin, and Jack, and his great-grandchildren Hunter, Gunnar, Mila, and Bowyn. He took tremendous pride in being a grandpa. He also cherished being papa to Roxie, Emily, and “his boy, Ezra.” These relationships brought him immense joy, and he loved each of them in his own special way.

Charles is survived by his loving mother, Thelma, and his brother, Terry, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and countless friends who will miss his loyal heart, steady presence, quiet wisdom, and the way he could always be counted on.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Carl Smith; his brothers, David and Tony Smith; and his nephew, Blaine Smith.

Charles leaves behind a legacy of strength, faith, love, and devotion. He believed deeply in God and, through the way he lived his life, taught those closest to him how to stand tall through life’s challenges, love deeply, work hard, and always be there for family.

Though his absence leaves an ache that words cannot describe, the values Charles lived by and the love he gave will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. His life was a testament to the quiet power of simply being a good man—faithful, loyal, hardworking, and always there when he was needed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Saving Grace Sanctuary, a charity close to Charles’s heart. You may also honor his memory by helping someone in need. A simple act of kindness done in Charles’s name would be a beautiful tribute to his life and to the kind of man he was.