Charles Nance Smith

Charles "Charlie" Nance Smith was born to Carl P. Smith, Sr. and Naomi Smith in 1949 in Oklahoma City. Growing up in a rambunctious family with three brothers, Carl P. Smith, Jr., Walter "Skip" Smith, and Clay Smith, Charlie loved to explore and play with his brothers. He attended Classen High School and was a basketball star, as he led the state in scoring his senior year, averaging a gaudy 29.9 points a game. Charlie was named All-State and still, after 50 years, holds the all-time Classen record for points in a game and total points in a season.
After high school, Charlie joined the Marines and was stationed for a time at Camp Pendleton. He soon developed a fondness for and hobby of classic sports cars, such as Corvettes and Porsches. Perhaps not coincidentally, he loved James Bond movies and excelled in movie and show trivia. Like his brother Clay, Charlie loved Los Angeles and often spent time there. During one stint in L.A., he and a friend worked in the construction of tennis courts. Charlie also attended Central State College in Edmond.
As Charlie and his brothers grew older, they would gather for all holidays with Nadie at the family home off 17th and Flynn near Classen High School. The comedic banter and repartee at Nadie's was unparalleled on these occasions, creating a warm and lively family scene for younger and older generations alike. Charlie often was the straw that stirred this drink. Nadie, always happy to have her boys over, would routinely fix Charlie's favorites, such as ham and scalloped potatoes.
But anyone who knew Charlie well knew and saw his love for old vintage homes. What began as Charlie working to renovate such homes-- often helped in some way, usually painting, by his brother Skip-- led to him buying and fixing up early 1900s era homes and selling them. This affinity resulted in Charlie buying a property just north of downtown Guthrie and restoring it in grand style, developing it into a handsome bed and breakfast named, "The Fairfield House," where he lived for many years in the 1990s and early 2000s. This restoration effort earned him a Foucart award given by the Logan County Historical Society and produced a beautiful, stately residence, one enjoyed during family gatherings such as the Smith Boys' birthday party. Charlie's meticulousness and his dedication to preservation were a special blend.
The Fairfield House also became a part of film productions in the area, and Charlie's love for antiques was on display in the dapper bed and breakfast. Various movie crews either used the residence itself or borrowed furniture or other items from it for filming. Indeed, Charlie himself was often an extra in such films; in one star-laden movie, titled Killer Inside of Me, Charlie rode in the back seat of a classic car driven through downtown Oklahoma City.
Following Fairfield House, Charlie bought and renovated another historic home, which was a labor of love for him, as he worked to incorporate aspects of the structure's history while also giving it Charlie touches. This included immaculate closets and details right down to his sock drawer. He liked to educate family on the house's history and to show off its classy nooks and crannies. Charlie lived there until his final days.
Charlie Smith passed away suddenly on June 18, 2023 in a skilled nursing facility after a bout with an illness. He is survived by his younger brothers Skip Smith and Clay Smith, both of Oklahoma City, and nephews Derek Smith, Carson Smith and niece Caroline Smith and their respective families. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. The memorial service for Charlie Smith will be held on Thursday June 29, 2023 at 2:00pm at Westminster Presbyterian Chapel, 4400 N Shartel Ave., Oklahoma City.