Charles Smith

Charles Leatherman Smith, aged 80, passed away at his home in Needville, TX on Saturday December 15, 2018. Smitty, as he was known to his friends and family, was born in Baton Rouge, LA on May 30, 1938 to Ora Paxton Smith and Charlie Smith. Smitty attended Central High School and later earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from LSU. He furthered his knowledge of Chemical Engineering with master's studies. After graduation from LSU, Smitty began working for Byron Jackson, later BJ, BJ Services, and BJ Hughes. During his years with the company, he traveled to 49 countries for both business and pleasure. He made life-long friends like he and Donna's close friend Jo Ann Cobb. He retired after 44 years in 2006 and he and Donna moved to Needville, TX to live the simple life traveling, gardening, raising pet longhorns, horses, mules, and chickens as well as the stray wild duck who sought refuge at their ranch. He and the love of his life, his young bride Donna Curry Smith, married in 1960 and had 4 children. Elizabeth Smith Walters m. Paul Raymond Walters, Charles L. Smith Jr m. Anita Bell Smith, Steven W. Smith m. Shawn Schwant Smith, and Jeanne Smith Lytle m. Tom William Lytle IV. The family lived in Baton Rouge, LA, Arlington, TX, Fountain Valley, CA, Houston, TX, and Needville, TX as well as other locales for shorter durations as Smitty was building his career. Smitty is survived by 9 grandchildren - Justin Wayne Smith, Amanda Walters Chaney m. John Sherman Chaney, Thomas William Lytle V m. Alexa Spicer Lytle, Elizabeth Annlynn Smith, Paul George William Walters, George Richard Lytle, Steven William Smith Jr m. Ashley Cook Smith, Michael Charles Henry Walters, and Samuel Allen Curry Walters m. Ashley Reister Walters - and 3 great grandchildren - Braydon Thomas Lytle, Adalynn May Lytle, and Baillie Ann Lytle. Smitty was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Mary Jane Smith, and great granddaughter Ava Taylor Lytle. Smitty loved hunting, fishing, boating, cooking, camping, gardening, traveling, his dogs Pegasus and Snow, and most of all spending time with his family. He was the patriarchal anchor of the Smith clan while Donna is its heart and patience. The service will be held on January 12, 2019 at Brazos Bend Baptist Church 22311 FM762 Needville, TX. Visitation at 10:00, the service begins at 10:30am and the family will receive guests in the activity center after the service. The family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and Encompass Health-Hospice staff for their support of the family and dedication, compassion, and affection for Smitty. In lieu of flowers the family urges donations instead be made in honor of Charles Smith to Brazos Bend Baptist Church, the American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.

Service Information

January 12, 2019 10:30am, Brazos Bend Baptist Church

Details:

Service Extra Info Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. The family will receive guests in the activity center after the service.