Charles Lindbergh Smith

Charles Lindbergh (Smitty) Smith Sr., age 95 went to be with the Lord on May 12, 2023.  He was a member of Middlesettlements United Methodist Church and attended Emanual United Methodist Church.  He especially enjoyed singing in the choir.  Proceeded in death by his parents James Howard Smith Sr. and Mae Ferguson Smith, wife of 53 years, Marian Tipton Smith, brothers and sisters; Junior Smith, Anne Bradley, Lela Bozeman, Frank Smith, Norma Jean Millsaps, Oscar Smith, Donnie Smith and Ruthie Millsaps, grandson Chad Smith and granddaughters, Emily Paige and Darby Lane Tindell.  Survived by Children Lowell Smith (Debbie), Terri Monaghan, Robin Henry and Chip Smith (April).  Loving children by marriage Philip Tindell (Sherry) and Dawn Harmon (Neal).   Grandfather to Tamsen (David), Corey (Liz), Hannah, Wade, TJ (Tierra), Hunter, Gentry (Katelyn), Melina, Erin, Mattie, Lucas and Brooklyn and great grandfather to Logan, Allison and Braylin.  Smitty began learning the skills that would carry him through his life in the family businesses of a blacksmith shop and machine shop.  Before starting a career, he entered the Navy in 1945 and served with honor aboard the USS Bunker Hill during World War II achieving the rank of Seaman First Class.  During his service, the ship supported the US in its drive through the South Pacific.  At one point, the ship was hit by two kamikaze planes and was severely damaged.  After the war was over, he worked on a troop transport bringing solders home from Europe.  Once home, Smitty began working at a Desoto dealership and would work for many different other ones.  Also, he worked for Cherokee Aviation,

Rentenbach and TVA working on the Watts Bar dam.  Ironically, the same agency that took his

family’s land with the building of Fort Loudon dam.  All this time, he maintained a shop at home for the people who would only let him work on their cars and equipment.  The most important vehicles he worked on were those of his children.  There was always one of their cars that needed something checked or repaired. Smitty enjoyed traveling and touring with Marian in the US and overseas.  Even once they saw baggage fall into the sea and hoped it was not theirs, it was.  They enjoyed game night with friends and family.  On many occasions he would have everyone laughing while telling stories of growing up in Louisville during the depression.  Special thanks to caregivers Vickie Durbin, Debbie Holt, , Angie Boyd and Marsha Moore, Hospice Amy Ellis, Jan Endsley, Hiroko Odom and Windy Sise. Friends and family will gather at Grandview Pavilion at 11:00 AM, May 20, 2023 for a grave side service with full Military Honors officiated by Rev. Rex Rogers.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to Disabled American Veterans at 2600 Holbrook Dr. Knoxville TN 37918 or Second Harvest Food Bank at PO Box 4939 Maryville TN 37802-4939. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service 865-983-1000 www.smithlifeandlegacy.com