Charles G. “Smitty” Smith, 79, of St. Albans passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 7, at home. He was preceded in death by his mother, Leona Blount Graley, stepfather, John Graley, Jr., wife, Carolyn Sue Smith, brother, John Graley, III, and sister Carla Bower.
Charles was raised in Campbells Creek and also grew up in Alum Creek. He was a 1961 graduate of Washington High School. He was a Christian, a retired truck driver, and a beloved “Big Popaw”. He loved his Mountaineers and spending time at his Pocahontas County camp.
He is survived by his daughter, Cathy (Donald) Peal of Hurricane, son, Charles (Amie) Smith of Tornado, and daughter Becky (Scott) Stevens of El Paso, TX, brother, Ronnie Graley of St. Albans, eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 12, 2022, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Craig Gillenwater officiating. Burial will follow at Lively Cemetery, Sod. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
When I was very young… I remember finding a piece of paper in your wallet, in your hand writing, I never understood what it meant, or why you kept it there. But today my father, it’s words have never been more true to me:
Lord, please grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I can not change & the STRENGTH to change the things I can not accept, and the KNOWLEDGE to know the difference.
I love you Pops.
I can only hope you lived your life happily. Because that is what you always told me. “Just be happy”
See you & Mom together again when it’s my time. Love you
I’d like to thank everyone for the kind comments about our Dad. He was a very hard working, special, benevolent, and loving person. He and my Mom had a very full, adventurous, and special life. Although she had been gone for seven years, he still took flowers to her every chance he had to do so. God and the people who truly knew our Dad over his lifetime know his heart belonged to our sweet Mother for eternity. As his children, we hope we can live up to their example of how to live life, give to those in need, and take care of our family. As Dad always said, “Family is family”. We will miss your hugs, the good times we shared, and sharing the joy of the great grandbabies with you. Until we meet again Dad, we will always love and cherish your memory.
Cathy and family our thoughts are with you as you remember your Dad/ Big Popaw today. He was a kind, thoughtful man. We are so thankful Cienna and Callie had such a loving Big Popaw and for the time they had with him. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Paul, Dawn, and Breanna
Hamilton
Thank you so much Dawn. He loved Cienna just like one of his own granddaughters and he made special trips to see Callie when he could sneak away. He loved her so much. Thank you all very much for your kind words.
Rest in peace, Uncle Charlie. We will miss so much about you, but mostly the laughs and all those big bear hugs you loved to give. I have no doubt that you are rejoicing in Heaven with sweet Carolyn by your side. What a reunion that must be! You will be missed by sooo many family and friends. Cathy, Chuck and Becky, we are so very sorry for your loss. Lisa and Billy
Thank you so much Lisa. Mom and Dad were married for almost 53 years and were inseparable. They were each other’s true loves and I know they are both celebrating in Heaven in each other’s arms. We love you both.
I considered Charlie my super brother-in-law. He had been in my sister’s life for three years and they were made for each other. Linda Kearns
My dear Charlie. You are the love of my life . Now we both know what true love is. Forever yours , Karen
My condolences to a wonderful person who I knew as companion to my best friend Karen Arbaugh. Great memories. So sorry for his untimely passing. God bless!
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Charlie a few times but he was always so very nice and friendly. Over the past few years I know you and he brought each other much happiness.
He was so kind to your Mom and I know he was a comfort to you when she passed. Glad you found each other and had those years to enjoy.
Dearest Aunt Karen, Very sorry to hear of Charlie’s death. He was a great man and so loved. You made him happy til the end. You both were such fun when we’d go to eat together. Keep all those great memories close. May time heal your broken heart. And yes, Mamaw welcomed him like a son! Awe,those cookies he made for here were awesome. Love, peace, healing, and prayers as you grieve the loss of your companion! Renee
To our dear Aunt Karen, we offer our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Charlie. Love Rhonda and Wes
To my dear Aunt Karen,
We are so sorry for your loss. I know the past 3 years or so have been wonderful and we know how much Charlie meant to you. As all of your family met him, he just blended in like we had known him forever. Your mom (our precious Mam Maw) just loved him visiting her in her later years. I remember coming to the hospital as she passed, as there was Charlie by your side. He was a great man. Loved by all of us.
Prayer and love be with you, Charlene & Greg