Chris was born May 12, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Cosby Lee and Ruth Ellen (Bensheimer) Smith, and became the step-son of Jack Spurlin, who he knew as “Dad”. Although he grew up in many locations as a “military brat”, his primary residence and “home” was Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Anne (Clark) Smith (whom he first met while their parents were stationed with the military in Paris, France in the 1960s), his daughter, Shannon (Smith) Calloway, son Shane Smith, biological daughter, Brooke (Willey) Scalf, step-son, Todd (Nicole) Schaefer, step-daughter Christina (Brian) Zechiel, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous half-siblings, and a sister-in-law, Leslie Littleton Clark. He is predeceased by his mother Ruth, his father Cosby, and his in-laws, Colonel Howard Warren Clark (USMA 41) and Elizabeth (North) Clark.
Chris served our country faithfully and with distinction from November 1968 to July 1971, which included serving two combat tours in Vietnam. He completed basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri with Company D, 1st Battalion, 1st Engineer AIT Brigade (Pioneer). Chris earned his paratrooper wings at Fort Benning, Georgia, completed Special Forces training with Company D, Special Force Training Group Class 46. He then was assigned to Company C, 47th Engineer Battalion (CBT) (ABN) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After assignment to Vietnam, Chris was assigned to Company D, 4th Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, also attending Combat Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School at Camp Radcliff, RVN (Republic of Vietnam) during his tenure with the 4th Engineers. He was further attached to Company N/November Rangers of the 75th Ranger Regiment, who were assigned to support the 173d Airborne Brigade. Chris’s last assignment was serving with the 173d Engineer Company.
As an Airborne Ranger 12B3P “Sky Soldier” Chris supported multiple units of the 173d Airborne Brigade in the field. He was attached throughout Vietnam as a Combat Engineer supporting Special Forces, Long Range Recognizance Patrol (LRRP) and Ranger Missions as an expert demolition specialist.
Chris was a highly decorated combat veteran who was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces (Vietnam). This included a second award of the Bronze Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster). In addition to his valorous awards Chris received the RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) with two campaign stars, and the RVNCM W/DEV 60 (a South Vietnamese government award to members of the South Vietnamese military for wartime service and to members of the U.S. military for support of operations in Vietnam).
After his honorable discharge, Chris returned to the United States and applied his many diverse skills and talents throughout his professional lifetime. His occupations included Certified Accident Investigator, Manager of Safety and Maintenance at Oliver Trucking Company, Professional Driver and Driver Examiner, and Karate Instructor.
In his private life, he pursued many interests. In his youth he was a champion roller-skater. As an adult, his interests included race car driving, motorcycles, acquiring his private pilot’s license, and achieving three black belts in various karate disciplines. He was also an avid boater. When he wasn’t involved in these pursuits, he could often be found doting upon his beloved and adored grandchildren - from proudly giving tractor rides on his John Deere - to gardening, teaching them how to use tools, putting on fireworks shows, taking them up flying or giving them instructions on how to drive a golf cart.
Chris was a proud lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (New Whiteland, Indiana VFW Post 6978) and the American Legion (Franklin, Indiana Post 205)
His burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery March 31, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Charles Lee “Chris” Smith to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the Salvation Army, the American Legion, the VFW, sponsor a veteran’s wreath in the annual Wreaths Across America program, or any other military organization that aids veterans.
If hands can reach beyond this world, his wife’s hand will always be in his. Death ends life, but not relationships.
Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/middleburg-fl/charles-smith-10337737
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