Charles William Smith

Charles William Smith, 86, of Crossett, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2017, at the Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff.  He was born on November 27, 1930, to his parents, Robert, and Catherine Smith.  Charles was raised in Little Rock and graduated from Central High School.  After serving with the United States Air Force in the Korean War, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1955.  After graduation, he moved to Crossett where he began his 41-year career with Georgia Pacific and became a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church of Crossett for over 60 years.  He assisted with the local sack lunch program for those in need and was an avid reader and supporter of the Crossett Public Library.  Mr. Smith was instrumental, along with other volunteers, in getting the funding for the new library which opened in 2002.  He was former President of the Crossett Library Board and currently served as the Vice-president.  Charles was an organizer, with his mechanical pencil in his pocket and his pad of paper always handy. He was also very active in the lives of his children and grandchildren while stressing the value of a good education.  He was an avid life learner who always wanted to better himself and those around him and was a great supporter of his community and his church.  He enjoyed traveling with his siblings and their spouses, and always spoke nicely of everyone.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Burrel Smith Sr., and Catherine Elizabeth Ross Smith; and one brother, Norman Murphy Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha Jane Risher Smith of Crossett; one son, Pat Smith of Monroe, LA; two daughters, Sarah Smith Tucker and husband, Jim, of Fort Worth, TX, and Toni Smith Killian and husband, Glen, of West Monroe, LA; five grandchildren, Kemp Tucker and wife, Rocky, Katie Killian, Grant Tucker, Alex Smith, and Kristin Killian; two great grandchildren, Claire and Adeline Tucker; one brother, Robert Burrel Smith Jr. and wife, Martha, of Houston, TX; one sister, Charlotte Elizabeth Smith Steele of Fayetteville; and one sister-in-law, Nancy Harden Smith of Yellville.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 31st at Medders Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Davis Tucker and Rev. Lauren Moore officiating, followed by an interment at Crossroads Cemetery, if weather permits, under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.

There will be a reception with finger foods at the Presbyterian Church of Crossett, 309 Pine St, Crossett, Thursday, immediately following the service.  Everyone is invited to attend.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 30th at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Crossett or the Crossett Public Library.

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