Charles R. Smith

Born in Manhattan, New York, Charles was the son of Joseph and Constance Smith both born in Scotland and was proud of his Scottish heritage.

Charles served as a medic in the US Air Force upon graduation from high school then moved to Michigan to attend college where he met and married Donnajo Graham. He graduated from the Saginaw General Hospital School of Nursing. Upon his graduation, they moved to East Lansing where he attended Michigan State University, graduating with a degree in psychology. He worked as director of nursing at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan until 1969 when they moved to Miami and he was a prison services administrator at Jackson Memorial Hospital, establishing Ward D, a hospital program for prisoners. His innovation in hospital products caught the attention of Abbott Laboratories and in 1974 he began work for them, with territories that at one time included the entire southeastern states. His focus was on burn patients and hospital supplies. After being named a national sales all-star he decided to retire in 2000.

Chuck leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Donnajo; two daughters, Carolyn Cutts (Clay) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Rachel Smith of Tallahassee; one beloved granddaughter, Sarah Cutts; a brother, Brian Smith of New York and a sister, Joanne Darby of Tarpon Springs.

Chuck was a devoted parent and served as room father, Indian Princess father, parent teacher president, band parent and active volunteer. He belonged to the Kendall Camera Club and worked with the Odyssey of the Mind Program. After losing their house to Hurricane Andrew and moving to Tallahassee, as a retiree Chuck worked with Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer Florida, Six Days Six Ramps, and worked at the polling booths until he discovered golf which then became his passion. He played several days a week. He enjoyed the comradery as much as the game. He served on the architectural control committee for Summerbrooke.

Chuck loved to travel and when Donnajo retired they traveled as much as possible. His favorite trips were to Hawaii, a walking tour of Tuscany, a Danube cruise to the Christmas Markets, and a Mediterranean cruise with the family.

Chuck loved meeting people and was a lifelong learner, interested in art, cooking, architecture, sports, photography, music, history and literature.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 4 at 3:00 at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home at 1737 Riggins Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat, the American Heart Association or the Tallahassee Symphony.