Charles "Buddy" Smith

Charles Everett "Buddy" Smith, 81, of Gadsden, Tennessee, passed away on September 14, 2024. Born on May 22, 1943, in Trenton, TN, to the late T.J. and Nellie Smith, Buddy was a loved and respected member of the community. He was happily married to his wife, Jan, and together they shared a life full of love and companionship.
Buddy was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as a firefighter from 1961-1965, and was also a dedicated member of the National Guard for 18 years from 1980-1998. After his military service, Buddy found a fulfilling career as a Cable Splicer and Maintenance Technician with BellSouth, from which he retired. Buddy was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, who loved to hunt and fish. His favorite season was dove season, during which he would host hunts and cook for everyone who attended. He loved watching old western movies and UT football games, and his friends and family cherished the stories he freely shared with them.
Buddy is survived by his beloved wife, Jan Smith; brother, John (JoAnne) Smith; and his cherished grandchildren, Jae Hoover, Katelyn Hoover, Hannah Hoover, and Noah Ford. He was preceded in death by his parents, T.J. and Nellie Smith; his daughter, Tammy Ford; and son, Charles Everett Smith Jr.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 12:30pm at Ronk Funeral Home, A graveside service will follow at Gibson County Memory Gardens, 85 Milan Highway, Humboldt, Tennessee, 38343, at 3:00pm. The service will be officiated by Bro. Mike Jones, with pallbearers Ryan Richardson, Brad Richardson, Chad Richardson, Georg Pingen, Tim Johnston, and John Pleasant.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to New Hope Church of Christ in Trenton, First Baptist Gadsden, Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choice.
Buddy will be remembered for his keen observance, his love for sharing stories, and the importance he placed on friends and family. We encourage all who knew and loved Buddy to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. His spirit lives on in the stories we share and the memories we cherish.