Charles Newman Smith's Obituary
Charles Newman Smith, S/Sgt US Air Force (retired) born November 1, 1935 to Irene and Wesley Smith.
Charles went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 10, 2015. Charles is survived by his wife, Delores of Manchester Tennessee; son Charles Smith Jr. of Liberty Hill, Texas , daughter Carrie Foster and husband James of Liberty Hill, Texas, and son Craig Smith and wife Karen of Bastrop, Texas . Charles had fifteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Peggy Durden of Huntsville, Alabama, brother Dave Smith and wife Sheila of Round Rock, Texas, brother Steve Smith of Austin, Texas and sister Connie Reid and husband Ronald of Lacy Spring, Alabama, step-son Clayton Allen and wife Tina of Daphane, Alabama, and step-daughter Theresa Wendle and husband Bill of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, along with numerous relatives and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his father Wesley Smith, mother Irene Smith, son Curtis Smith and daughter Christina Smith.
Charles graduated from Stevenson High school and joined the military in 1954. He served in three different branches of the service. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1977 as a S/Sgt from Bergstrom AFB, in Austin Texas. In addition to serving at several bases in the United States he also served tours in Japan, Guam, and Thailand.
After Charles retired from the Air Force, he became a long distance truck driver. Charles really enjoyed driving a big rig across the United States and Quebec Canada. He loved driving the open roads and seeing the sights. His call sign was the "Grey Ghost". He stayed a truck driver until his health began to falter. If he had a choice of driving or flying, he would take driving every time.
Charles was first and foremost a loving husband, father, grandfather and loved spending time with his family. He will always be remembered for his contagious laugh, great sense of humor and being the entertaining jokester. He was just a pleasure to be around. He always had a gleam in those big green eyes. His entire presence will be missed by those who loved him.
Even during his painful times he seldom complained. He always said he was doing ok and everything was going to be all right. He was as solid as a rock.
Visitation will be held Sunday, May 17, 2015 from 1-3PM at Rudder Funeral Home Stevenson
Funeral Services will follow the visitation at 3:00PM with Bro. Josh Posey officiating and burial following in the Stevenson City Cemetery
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