Charles Wiley Smith

Charles Wiley Smith Sr. of Northport, AL, died on January 28, 2022, at Pine Valley Retirement Community at the age of 100. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 31, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Mark United Methodist Church, where Mr. Smith was a charter member. Rev. Bo Loyd will officiate the service. A private family internment will take place earlier in the day at Memory Hills Garden. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, John Cook Smith and Mattie Hamiter Smith, his beloved wife Dorothy Thorpe Smith, and his brother, John Smith.

He is survived by his sons, Charles Jr. (Sharon) of Tuscaloosa, Walter (Vicke) of Northport, and Robert (Marianne) of Birmingham; grandchildren Walt Smith (Julie) of Tuscaloosa, Laura King (Alex) of Lynn Haven, FL, Chas Smith (Natalee) of Birmingham, Matt Smith (Keilah) of Birmingham, Robert Smith of Birmingham, and Ryan Smith of Birmingham; great-grandchildren Trey Smith, Jack Smith, Linda Taylor King, Charley King, Chip Smith, Crew Smith, Mary Jennings Smith, and Margaret Ruth Smith; and sister-in-law Mildred Thorpe Moore of Newport News, VA.

Mr. Smith was born on September 1, 1921 in Carrollton, AL. He graduated from Carrollton High School where he was a star football player. Following graduation, Charles was recruited to play football for the University of Alabama. The University sent him to train at Jones Junior College and while there, he helped lead the team to win the Junior College National Championship. Due to the outbreak of WWII, Charles did not get the chance to play for the University of Alabama; instead, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to serve his country. He was stationed in England during the Blitz (the German bombing campaign against England) and served in a munition supply unit. After returning from the war, he continued his education at Auburn University before graduating from Livingston State Teachers College in 1948. He worked 30 years for the U.S. Government in the Defense Supply Agency. While at Livingston, he met the love of his life, Dorothy “Dot” Smith. They were married at First Presbyterian Church, Tuscaloosa on May 28, 1949. Charles and Dot were dedicated to their family and raised three boys: Charles, Walter, and Robert. Charles treasured time with his family and was respected and loved by all. After retirement, he and Dot enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada, playing golf and bird hunting.

On September 1, he celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by his family. Most recently, he was honored by Pine Valley as a 100-year-old veteran for his service during WWII.

His family would like to thank the Pine Valley Retirement Community staff for their love and care over the past six years. They would also like to thank his physicians, Dr. Regina Harrell, Dr. William Hill, and Dr. John Summerford. The family extends a special thank you to his wonderful caregivers, Pat Beck, Christine Hudson, Cheewautha Lee, Annie Norwood, and Maria Pizarro.

The family asks that due to Covid precautions, you consider wearing a mask throughout the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church in Northport or your favorite charity. Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, is in charge of all arrangements.