Charles “Chuck” Smith, Sr.
In Memory of
MSG Charles “Chuck” Smith, Sr. (Retired)
MSG (Retired) Charles “Chuck” Smith, Sr (D-7752-L) was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 5, 1943. He passed away, and joined his heavenly Father on November 25, 2023, in Pearland, Texas. He was preceded in death by his mother Doris Smith, father Oliver Smith, and sister Sharon Gaulf.
Chuck was a Vietnam veteran. His Special Forces assignments included 10th Special Forces Group Germany (1962); Special Forces Training Group; participation in Vietnam, while with the 5th SFG, (1964). After retiring from the Army, Chuck also served in Central and South America (1984). He was a member of Special Forces Association Chapter 39, the MSG Roy Benavidez Chapter, Houston, Texas.
His awards and decorations included: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Medal (17), Crew Member Aviator’s Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Master HALO and Parachutist Badges, Combat Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Parachute Rigger Badge, and numerous other foreign awards and decorations.
After retirement from the Army, Chuck also worked for the Department of the Army, III Corp, Ft Hood Director of Contracts. He left there in 1989 and joined the Boeing Aerospace Operations, Contracts Division. Chuck retired from Boeing in 2006. Thereafter, in the same year (2006), he went to Iraq and worked in support of US Military Operations.
Chuck was a graduate of Central Texas College, University of Houston, and American College of Theology. He also attended University of Maryland. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Management and Ethics. He was also an Ordained Minister. Some of Chuck’s hobbies were wood-working, deer-hunting, and flying. Chuck was a licensed private pilot and certified scuba diving instructor. He operated a scuba dive shop business before joining Boeing. What he enjoyed the most was drinking coffee at Starbucks every morning with his Starbucks’ circle of friends.
He is survived by his wife, companion, and friend (Imee L. Smith) with whom he shared two beloved Chihuahuas (Paco and Chichi); two sons (SFC) Retired John Patrick and Charles William II); one daughter (Bonnie Lynn); seven grandchildren (Ricky, Amber, Darren, Louis, Paris, Savannah, and Samantha), three great grandchildren (Hudson, Hazel, and Jensen), daughter-in-law Jhona and son-in-law Mike.
There will be a visitation Friday, December 1, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a service to begin at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Crowder Funeral Home, 2422 E. Broadway Pearland, TX 77581.
Please click the link below to join in at the time of service
I got to know Chuck during my time at Boeing (late 90s). We worked at the “Mistake on the Lake” in Nassau Bay. There were four of us (Chuck, John, Doug and me) who would often take midafternoon breaks in the lunchroom. Chuck would modestly enlighten us with stories of his military service. So sorry to learn of his passing. My condolences to Chuck’s family.
Praying for the family, and also my friend for many years now.
Imee Smith, My Prayers are that God will strengthen you. In your time of sorrow,
Just know that I’m here for you.
To our Dearest uncle Chuck,
Thank you for loving and taking good care of our dear tita Imee. You will always be remembered as a smiling tall guy every time I pick you up at airport when you come visit here in the Philippines. My sincerest condolence to the bereaved family.
Eternal rest grant unto Chuck Smith, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
I am so happy Mr. Chuck was my Starbuck’s friend. I am going to miss him.
Love,
Cameron MacDonald
(Tom Knorr’s Grandson)
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time .
Chuck was a kind , friendly, loving man . Just thinking of your happy memories with him will make you comfort and peace.
*Thank you, Chuck for taking good care of my adoptive daughter in the University. Your mental ability shared Imee’s brilliance, thus sharing same thoughts and ideas helped a lot to achieve compatability. Thanks for adding a lot of ideas in imee’s brain. The happiness you shared with her is more than enough to give her good memories in mind.
My family extends our deepest sympathy yet welcomes your entry to God’s Kingdom! I salute you, Chuck and your dedicated service to the US Army and the Special Forces and to your bereaved wife, Imee and loved ones.