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Charles Smith Obituary
Lansing
Passed away on August 20, 2015 at the age of 71. Charlie was born July 16, 1944 in Washington, DC to Lawrence Stanfield and Pauline (Mitchell) Smith. Charlie was the owner and operator of Smith Floral and Greenhouse and was most recently named the 2015 Retailer of the Year by the Michigan Florist Association and was recognized in the Top 100 Teleflora Florists, nationally. He was a past Board Member of the MSU Alumni Association of Ingham County and was a Phi Gamma Delta. Charlie was an active member of the South Lansing Business Association, the Lansing Jaycees, Lansing Rotary, Lansing Host Lion's Club and the Power Squadron. He loved his family, his community, the floral industry, the Spartans and Coca Cola, amassing a wonderful collection of memorabilia throughout the years. Charlie was one of the kindest, most caring and selfless individuals you could meet. His interest in others was sincere and rapid fire. He was a gentle man and a genuine friend.
He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Lawrence Mitchell Smith; nephew, "Little Larry"; and step-mother, Gertrude Smith. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Karen; sons, Christopher and Spencer; daughter, Abby; siblings, Peter (Mary) Robinson and Sally (David) Trout; sister-in-law, Holly (Ron) Wellbaum; and very special niece, Kristi Klemmer.
Memorial Celebrations will be held Friday, August 28, 2015, 4-9 pm and Saturday, August 29, 11-4 pm. Sharing and Remembrances will be held Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 2 pm. All will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI.
In lieu of donations, please send flowers.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Lansing Chapel. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Smith
August 30, 2015
I new Charles from the business, but also knew him from Higgins Lake which he loved and cared about. I enjoyed him coming down to the lake and sitting on my pontoon and talking. He was a very nice man and will be missed. My prayer are with you and your family,
Paul and Sue Blonshine
Mike/Pat Crimmins
August 29, 2015
Life isn't about getting and having, it's about giving and being. Charlie was successful in life because he was a giver. Ever kind, generous and caring. He touched many lives including our family with that kindness. Many years we have had the honor of knowing you and calling you our friend. Life is truly short but you did make it a better place to live in with that smile of yours. You will be sorely missed our friend. Karen and family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Maher Mahmoud
August 28, 2015
Do take comfort in knowing how loved Charlie was and how many lives he touched.
our prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends.
Maher Mahmoud,
Petra Flower Shop,Owner & Staff
Janet & Patrick Scheetz
August 28, 2015
Janet and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to all members of the Smith family on the loss of Charlie. He was a wonderful man. Just look at his delightful family and his business and community achievements. He left an unforgettable mark on this world. It is a better place because he was here and did all he could do to make it finer for all of us.
Future MSU pep rallies will not be the same without Charlie. Whenever I attended, he seemed to be there cheering the Spartans. From Heaven above, his cheers will be welcomed.
Our prayers are with you and all your family members at this time of sorrow!
James Roe
August 28, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Craig Averill
August 28, 2015
I was sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. He was a genuinely kind and caring person. He will be missed.
Lisa Schroeder
August 27, 2015
Charlie was a great man who always remembered your name. We will miss your smiling face and your wonderful stories. Our condolences to the family.
Susan B&D Electric
August 27, 2015
We will miss you Charlie, we loved talking to you one the phone and appreciate all the electrical work you gave to our company. Prayers for your family and friends, we will miss you.
Sincerely B&D Electric
mary Valevich
August 27, 2015
We will miss Charlie! Always fun & cheerful. We knew him for many years. A real loss for the community. We are very sorry for your family's loss.
Mary & Bill Valevich
Eve Brown
August 27, 2015
I would have shared the following had I been able to come to the 'Celebration of your Life--
Charlie, I shall miss your cheerful voice and very dry humor when we talked through my backyard jungle. We barely could see each other but suddenly there you would be, kindly asking about my day or how Emily was doing. Sometimes when you walked past my house you would use that quirky humor and sometimes you would have to reassure me that you were indeed being funny and not serious! You are the definition of 'Gentleman', always kind and caring. The memory of you will always bring a smile to me. Thank you for being my backyard neighbor for thirty years. My thoughts and hugs to Karen, Abby, Chris and Spencer and the rest of your family, and also to your Smith Floral family.
Bruce Anderson ( Moehring Woods Flowers)
August 26, 2015
And true gentleman and friend of the floral industry. Always courteous, kind and respectful ,enjoyed many visits with him over the years at Michigan Floral Association events ..Thoughts and Prayers go out to family and friends.
The staff at Delta Flowers
August 26, 2015
Karen, family and staff,
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Charlie. He was an inspiration to so many of us in the floral business. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts, hugs and prayers to all of you.
Bobby Wilcox
August 26, 2015
Going all the way back to the days of grade school, there is one giant constant you can associate with Chuck. He has always been the very best human being you could ever want to meet. What a hole he leaves in our hearts. What an honor to have known him. I'm very sad at his passing and prayers go out to his family and for his memory.
William Brown
August 26, 2015
My condolences as well.
Mollie Woods
August 26, 2015
I just met Charlie a few months ago but liked him immediately. So sorry for your loss.
Linda Castner
August 26, 2015
Charlie was an awesome businessman but he was also an awesome person. He loved his family and was the kindest, gentlest man. He will be missed.
Lisa Skoczylas
August 26, 2015
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Smith this year when I started working for Maner Costerisan. He made a point of remembering my name each time he visited the office. A very sweet person who will be missed.
Mike Domagalski
August 26, 2015
Karen...thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
MaryKay Pekrul
August 26, 2015
I have had the pleasure of using Smith Floral for many years and have talked with Mr.Smith many time and have always been treated with such kindness. I will always remember him and continue to use Smith Floral.
Barry Hintz
August 25, 2015
Karen and family,
Like many others, thoughts of Charlie always bring a smile to my face. Our time together in the Lansing Jaycess was exciting and fun filled. We could always count on Charlie to have pictures of every event. He served on the Board of Directors the year I was President and I could always count on Charlie for assistance and support and to get the job done.
His memory for names was incredible - never did he forget any of my kids names. Carol and I will miss him.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
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