Charles L. Smith

Charles L Smith of Parma, MI, passed away in his snowbird home in Zephyrhills, Florida, March 28, 2026 at the age of 84. He will be cremated at Hodges Funeral Home in Dade City, according to his wishes. A summer gathering will take place in Michigan to celebrate his life.

Chuck’s heartfelt belief was that every dog should have a loving home and that no child should ever go hungry. Those who wish to do something in remembrance of Chuck could donate to Cascades Humane Society (Jackson), the Jackson County Animal Shelter, or the Interfaith Shelter in Jackson, MI. Better yet, adopt a pet!

Chuck was born December 22, 1941, in Traverse City, Michigan where he spent his first 18 years. He graduated from his beloved Western Michigan University in 1965 with a degree in business education and broadcasting. He was hired in 1965 by the Jackson County Western school district in Parma, MI, where he taught business classes and coached for many years. When computers came to Western, it was Chuck who developed and taught the very first computer programming classes. As the school’s Athletic Director in 1972, Chuck successfully brought the district into compliance with Title IX. He was always principled and ethical in everything he did, working to do what was best for kids. Chuck served as a sports official for many years in several sports and especially enjoyed refereeing basketball with long-time friend, Gary Hendershott.

Chuck married the love of his life, Patricia Terry on May 1, 1982. He was ecstatic at the birth of their son, Scott, June 25 the following year. There are many fond memories of camping trips and travel with son Scott and his friends and cousins. Chuck loved the US and planned yearly week-long trips around the country with Pat. Those trips always included a visit to the colleges there to add a baseball cap or two to Chuck’s collection.

Chuck left Western Schools in the early ‘80s and earned a Masters in Administration from Eastern Michigan University. He happily concluded his career working with a wonderful staff at Springport Middle School as their Principal.

Golfing was a lifelong passion for Chuck, leading Pat and Chuck to become snowbirds in Zephyrhills, FL for the last 17 years. He made innumerable friends on the golf course and organized and kept stats for several local leagues in both Michigan and Florida. He especially enjoyed long-time friends Rod Pedersen and Al Ferry and their countless discussions regarding the Michigan State Spartans!

Chuck is survived by his wife Patricia (Terry) Smith and their son, Scott Smith; in-laws Jackie (Gary) Tichnell, Virginia Atkins, and Vickie Terry; special cousin Ron Howell; nieces and nephews Mike Smith, Tim Smith, Patrick Smith, Heather Wellman, Chris Atkins, Danielle Booms, Brian Terry, Scott Salla, Krysten Salla, Kevin Salla, Jonelle Lull, Tracey Gore, and John Tichnell and their spouses. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert K and Bertha L Smith and his brother Robert Smith, as well as in-laws Kathleen Salla and Robert Terry. Chuck is well-missed.