Charles "Charlie" Ray Smith

Charles Ray “Charlie” Smith, 94, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, laughter, love, and a legacy that will live on through the many lives he touched. Charlie was born on July 21, 1932, in Taylor, Texas, to William Smith and Fannie Brown Smith. At just four years old, Charlie entered the Corsicana State Home, where he would spend the next fourteen years of his life. Although his childhood was not without challenges, Charlie always found a way to make the best of every situation. He often shared fond memories of his years at the State Home, recalling the friendships, laughter, and mischief along the way. He considered the children he grew up alongside to be more than friends — they were his brothers and sisters, a family he carried in his heart throughout his life. After leaving the State Home at eighteen, Charlie worked several jobs before meeting the love of his life, Barbara Norwood. On December 31, 1953, the two began a beautiful marriage that would span 69 years. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, hard work, and adventure. Charlie and Barbara were blessed with three children: Victor Smith and his wife, Shelby, of Cave Spring, Georgia; Gordon Smith and his wife, Cindy, of Flower Mound, Texas; and Teresa Harmon and her husband, Henry, of Texarkana, Texas. Throughout their marriage, Charlie’s career with Chrysler Corporation took the family to several different places before they eventually made their way home to Paris, Texas. Never one to shy away from a new challenge, Charlie tried his hand at just about everything. From running a country store to owning a contract pump service, he was a true jack of all trades. He eventually settled into a career with Southwest Foundry, where he worked until retirement. But retirement certainly didn’t mean slowing down for Charlie. He continued staying busy flipping houses, taking on projects, and finding something new to work on. There was rarely a task he couldn’t figure out or a problem he wasn’t willing to tackle. He was often described as a “jack of all trades, master of none,” but to those who knew him best, there truly wasn’t much Charlie couldn’t do. Once Barbara retired, the two embraced their next great adventure together — traveling. Whether exploring new places with friends and family or spending their winters in South Texas, Charlie and Barbara knew how to enjoy life.

Charlie loved playing golf, traveling, dancing, and, most of all, spending time with the people he loved. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making others smile. He believed in enjoying the moment, making memories, and never taking life too seriously.

Charlie and Barbara shared a love that was evident to everyone around them. They loved to laugh, dance, and simply enjoy being together. Their marriage was a beautiful example of lifelong love and devotion, and their story will continue to inspire generations of their family. Charlie was especially proud of his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by those he loved. Whether it was family gatherings, holidays, summer vacations, or everyday adventures, Charlie had a way of making even the simplest moments unforgettable. He is survived by his three children, Victor Smith and his wife, Shelby, of Cave Spring, Georgia; Gordon Smith and his wife, Cindy, of Flower Mound, Texas; and Teresa Harmon and her husband, Henry, of Texarkana, Texas; his six grandchildren, Kevin, Casey, Ryan, Caitlan, Dalton, and Jessica; and his nine beloved great-grandchildren, each of whom was deeply loved and held a special place in his heart. Charlie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Norwood Smith; his parents, William and Fannie Brown Smith; his brothers, William Smith Jr. and Marcus Smith; and his sisters, Dorothy Smith-Marshall and Mertie Jo Smith-Mettie. Charlie’s life was a testament to resilience, hard work, laughter, and love. From a young boy growing up at the Corsicana State Home to a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he made the most of every chapter of his life. Though his family will miss his laughter, his stories, his humor, and his larger-than-life personality, they find comfort in knowing that Charlie is once again reunited with his beloved Barbara. After a lifetime of adventures, 69 years of marriage, and countless dances together, Charlie and Barbara are finally reunited — and we can only imagine they’re dancing together once again. The family will receive friends at Bright-Holland Funeral Home Friday, Oct. 16th from 1-1:45 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Meadowbrook Gardens at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Frankie Norwood will officiate.