OBITUARY

Charles B. Smith III

November 8, 1939 – September 2, 2013
Play Tribute Movie
×

Charles B. Smith, 73, of Eastham, Massachusetts, passed away on September 2, 2013, at Epoch Rehabilitation Center in Brewster, MA after a short but courageous fight with lung cancer.

Charles (Charlie) was born in Bluefield, West Virginia, on November 8, 1939. He was raised in Bramwell, West Virginia and Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Charlie was the beloved husband for more than 50 years of Audrey Smith, the devoted father of Steven Smith and his wife Alison, of Pompton Plains, N.J., Rhonda Smith and her significant other, Jamie Plante, of North Kingstown, R.I. He was the proud granddaddy of Zachary Smith, Benjamin Smith, and Macayla Plante. He also leaves his many “Kinney” friends around the country and his good friends on Cape Cod.

Charlie had an illustrious career in the footwear business. Charlie was known as “Chuck” to his colleagues at the Kinney Shoe Corporation in New York City, where he was an executive for 20 years. As Vice-President and General Manager of the company, Chuck played a major role in the company’s rise to prominence and success. Following his Kinney career, Chuck took his expertise to the Thom McAn company as a corporate manager, followed by operating and owning his own footwear retail business, “New England Shoe.”

Following his career, Charlie retired to his beloved Cape Cod. His mantra was, “If you can’t get what you need in Orleans, you don’t need it!” Charlie made an occasional exception and left the Cape for vacation trips and cruises with Audrey. In addition to serving as a volunteer for the Lower Cape Outreach Hope Chest in Orleans and a volunteer driver for Nauset Neighbors, he also enjoyed spending time gardening, time with family and friends, reading, rooting for the Red Sox and Patriots, and feeding his birds. He became an accomplished “birder”, with an ability to quickly identify the many species that flocked to his multiple feeders.

A special thank you to our friends at Brewster Baptist Church and Epoch Rehab Center in Brewster, MA for their loving care and support. A memorial service will be held at Brewster Baptist Church, 1848 Main Street, Brewster, MA, on September 14, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’ name to Brewster Baptist Church’s Memorial Fund.

Send Flowers Show Your Support Receive Notifications

Services

  • Memorial Service Saturday, September 14, 2013
receive notifications Show Your Support
REMEMBERING

Charles B. Smith III

have a memory or condolence to add?

ADD A MEMORY

receive updates when new memories are posted

RECEIVE UPDATES

October 11, 2013

Hello neighbors, some time has passed now and I continue to offer my thoughts and prayers. Like so many before me, I too have so many fond memories of CBS and Summit Ave. Continued peace and love...
Martin Walsh

Cheri Hand

September 19, 2013

I had no idea, he went so quickly - I'm devastated, it's like losing my 2nd father. He was there for most of my life and many of my best moments and a few of my less than shining ones too. I can't wrap my mind around this right now. I love you all. Cheri

Randy Snyder

September 18, 2013

Chuck was my boss when I was Sales Manager in Kinney for a short (too short) time. We understood each other, he gave me "space" and I respected his position as he did mine. He was understanding, empathetic and a great leader and person. Humility is the best attribute I admire in a "boss" and Chuck personnified humility and accepted whatever came his way, good and bad, with dignity! May God rest his soul. My only regret is I didn't get to know him better. Randy Snyder, Lake Lure NC

Bart Henry

September 18, 2013

Chuck was a good person and sharp business man. Audrey and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember his smile and good sense of humor.

Bart Henry Arlington Tx.

RITA LANIER

September 13, 2013

Dear Father, Giver of all gifts, Healer of broken hearts, We ask Thy comforting love now, When we have come to pay last tribute to a Beloved Husband, Father & Grandfather. Give Ms. Audrey, Ms. Rhonda & Mr. Steven the consolation to know that death is not the end but that after the Spirit has discarded the garment on earth, The glorified robes of eternity will be given to the beloved Mr. Smith. Give the Family Hope and Assurance that one day they will meet again where there is no parting, no sickness, & no sorrow. Bless the Family & keep them in Thine glory forever. Amen. I am blessed to have known Mr. Smith while living in Worcester, MA with my own family on the other side of the country. Thank you Smith Family for extending your love & grace.

September 13, 2013

Dear Audrey, Rhonda and Steve-
I have wonderful memories of spending time with you all in Pompton Lakes and on the cape. There wasn't a better place to grow up than two doors from the Smith's. I still try to water ski every year, which I can do only because of the time and patience Charlie spent to teach me, and I have been able to share that with my children too, a true gift. The thoughts and prayers of the whole Davis family is with you.
Doug and Robyn Davis and Family

Rebekah Welty-Ford

September 13, 2013

Mr Smith as I originally called him had a formative influence on my life. I have the fondest memories of him in Pompton Lakes and all the Kinney men. Steven and I would become known as the Kinney kids because of Chuck and my dad. My prayers and thoughts to Audrey, Steven and Rhonda. You are always in mr thoughts.

Larry Harrelson

September 12, 2013

I offer my heartfelt condolences and my deepest sympathies for your loss. Chuck was a very dear friend to me. I will miss him.

Tom Rork

September 12, 2013

Audrey, my prayers, thoughts and sympathy are with you and your family. I consider myself blest to have had the great fortune of working closely with Chuck. I loved every minute of it, and - though I was too young and stupid to know it - he taught me so much about business and even more about life. He will be missed by many. Thanks for sharing him...

William Spalke

September 9, 2013

Dear Audrey, Steve & Rhonda, My deepest sympathy to all of you on Charles passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time. Sincerely,
William P. Spalke

IN THE CARE OF

Nickerson Funeral Home
Orleans, MA
508-255-0259