Charles W. Smith

Charles Warren Smith passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017, of liver cancer, aged 79 years. He died at his home in Leisure World, Silver Spring, MD. Born August 3, 1938 in Slayton, Minnesota, son of the late Ralph W. and Mildred L. Smith. Chuck graduated from Ogilvie High School in 1956 and immediately joined the United States Air Force where he served until 1961. While stationed at Fort Custer, MI, he met his wife Judy. They married in 1958. After his discharge Chuck went to work for a short time in North Dakota before signing on with Bendix Corporation in 1961. Bendix sent him to Keflavik, Iceland until 1963 when he transferred first to Adana, Turkey for 6 months then Athens, Greece, where the growing family lived until 1965. Bendix finally settled him at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD and he remained there until 1981. During Chuck’s time at Goddard he worked mainly as “unmanned mission support” on several different projects. These included Gemini 6 thru 12, Apollo 8 thru 11, and Nimbus 4 thru 7 missions. He also served on special assignment to Vietnam, as a Lieutenant with the United States Naval Reserves. After leaving Goddard, Chuck continued his work in the satellite industry. He signed on with Raytheon, working long-term assignments in Massachusetts and Texas, returning to Maryland to work for a variety of companies: American Satellite Company, became Contel-ASC; General Electric’s Space division, evolved to GTE Spacenet; Atlantic Coast Telesys (ACT), sold to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), from which he retired in 2005. Frequently, the contracts he executed were of military and government origin. Chuck’s work with telecommunications took him all over the world including Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia. His many positions titled him as technician, instructor, engineer, programs manager, and supervisor and included middle & upper management levels. During his career CW also worked part time for Belair Import Motors on Mercedes-Benz cars and provided repair work in his home garage. Wherever he went, Chuck shared much of his knowledge with others, often becoming a mentor. Following his retirement and move to Leisure World, CW became involved with many aspects of his community. He served on the Board of Directors for both Leisure World of Maryland Corporation and Montgomery Mutual, as well as several advisory committees. CW also enjoyed taking cruise trips all over the world: Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, Scandinavia, the Middle East, and his favorite – The Port of Baltimore. Chuck’s hobbies were hunting, fishing, scuba diving, boating, golf, automotive mechanics, woodworking, photography, WWII aircraft, and much more. CW enjoyed telling tales and was considered a world-class storyteller. Described as jovial, he was truly a one-of-a-kind character. Chuck was a member of the American Legion, Disney-Bell Post 66, Bowie, MD; the Disabled American Veterans, Omaha Beach 7, Bowie, MD; and, numerous military museums and foundations. Charles dedicated a lot of his life, time and expertise to the service of his country. Charles’ wife, Judith A. Smith, predeceased him at the family home in Bowie, MD, January 2004. Chuck was the father of: Brenda Ann Smith (Jerry Preston) of Concord, NC; Deborah Kai Smith of Braddock Heights, MD; Stephen Charles Smith of Bowie, MD; and Heather Lea Smith of Silver Spring, MD. Known as “Pappy” to his grandchildren: KaiLea Brenda Stiffler (Braddock Heights), Tucker James Preston (Concord), Samantha Jane Smith and Mitchell Stephen Smith (Bowie). Brother of: Jeanne McNally, Ogilvie, MN; Sherianne McNally, Cannon Falls, MN; and Lucille Hanson, Hinckley, MN. Beloved cousin of Wendell Smith, Windom, MN. Additionally, CW is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. A funeral service and interment will be held at Cheltenham Veteran's Cemetery, 11301 Crain Hwy., Cheltenham, MD, on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at 2:30pm. Please view and sign the family’s guestbook at: www.BeallFuneral.com