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Charles Smiley Obituary
Phil Smiley, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois was the retired founder and owner of three Great Ace stores in Chicago in the 1970's and 80s. At the time, they were the largest Ace Hardware stores in the world and were known to revolutionize retail by paving the way for the "big box" stores of today. He was very active in the Chicago and Ace Hardware business communities.
Phil fell in love with the Vail Valley in the early 1970s and skied Beaver Creek in its inaugural season and built one of the first homes there. Phil was an active member of the Vail Valley community supporting a number of causes.
Phil is survived by his wife Verna Mae (Thue) Smiley and seven children, sixteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Arthritis Foundation or the Beaver Creek Chapel Endowment.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Smiley
3 Entries
Lynne MARHOEFER -Vavra
November 7, 2023
My condolences to the Smiley family.
Many happy memories in the 1980´s of the Great Ace and Ace hardware shows.
Bill Scharringhausen
November 6, 2023
Great memories of our Univ of Wisconsin college days and subsequent reunions ...
Jan Duschack
November 5, 2023
Thanks for being in our lives, Cousin Phil. We enjoyed time with you, & your kids when they were children. I will miss hearing your voice, shared genealogy, laughs. Love & peace to each of your adult children & Verna Mae.
Jan, Doug Duschack & Family
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