Charles Allen "CA" Smith

Charles Allen "CA" Smith, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. He was born in Gadsden, Alabama. His mother was Martha Doyle and his father was Charles Smith. Charles Smith died in WW II. Martha raised Charles along with his Uncle “Red” Terrell. Charles had two siblings - Ricky Doyle who preceded him and Peggy (Doyle) Whitehead who lives in Altoona, AL.

Charles attended public schools in Etowah, AL. for 12 years. He graduated with straight A’s and perfect attendance throughout. He then went to Florida Junior College and received his Associates of Arts degree.

Charles joined the Navy and served two years. He was assigned to basic training in San Diego, California and was then stationed at NAS JAX where he met his future wife, Rebecca Lela Gay Bius. Charles served on the USS Saratoga in the Bay of Pigs during the Cuban Missile crisis in 1962.

After his two years of service, he was honorably discharged from the Navy and began his 40+ year career at General Motors in Jacksonville, Florida in the warehouse division. Charles and Rebecca (Becky) married on December 6, 1963. They have one son, Robert (Bob) Smith born on August 16, 1967 and one granddaughter, Jordon Smith, born in Jacksonville on June 2, 1994.

Charles loved to travel – visiting the family around the Gadsden area and around the southeastern U.S. A particular joy was going on his family skiing trips to Snowshoe, Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and Stowe. He and Becky enjoyed the Sugar Mountain area so much they purchased property there which they enjoyed for almost 20 years.

While still working Charles began volunteering at the San Souci Civic Center where he managed a bingo game the proceeds of which supported the Civic Center and its swim team. Charles was an animal lover and especially loved his Doxies, i.e. Dachshunds. Mako, his favorite, already misses him greatly.

Charles is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Becky) Smith; his son, Robert (Bob) Smith; granddaughter, Jordan Smith; sister, Peggy (Doyle) Whitehead (Richard Whitehead) and their granddaughter, Nadia Whitehead.

A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 13th at Hardage-Gidden Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville. Graveside services will begin at 1 p.m. at Mandarin Cemetery with a reception to follow at the family home.