FLEMING ISLAND, FL
Charles Lee “Chris” Smith, passed away on September 3, 2021 at the age of 74 surrounded by loved ones at his home in Fleming Island, Florida.
Chris served our country admirably from 1968 to 1971, completing two tours in Vietnam.
He completed advanced individual training at Company D, 1st Battalion, 1st Engineer AIT Brigade (Pioneer) and thereafter served our country with both Companies D and N, 4th Engineer Battalion: 4th Infantry Division, 173rd Engineer Group; 173rd Airborne Brigade. He earned his Paratrooper wings at Fort Benning, Georgia, completed advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri) and Combat Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School at Camp Radcliff, RVN (Republic of Vietnam).
As an Airborne Ranger (November Rangers) in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, he was with the first American Army combat unit deployed to South Vietnam. He served honorably throughout Vietnam and excelled in many roles, including Green Beret, Demolitions Specialist, Combat Engineer, Long Range Recognizance Patrol (LRRP), helicopter repelling and paratrooper, successfully completing 1,021 parachute jumps.
Highly decorated, he earned a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces (Vietnam) and a Second Bronze Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces, the Cross of Gallantry, the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), and the RVNCM W/DEV 60 (a South Vietnamese government award to members of the South Vietnamese military for wartime service and to members of the U.S. military for support of operations inVietnam).
Chris was a proud lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Post 6972) and the American Legion (Post 0205).
After his honorable discharge, Chris returned to the United States and applied his many diverse skills and talents throughout his professional lifetime. His occupations included Certified Accident Investigator, Karate Instructor, Manager of Safety and Maintenance at Oliver Trucking Company, Professional Driver and Driver Examiner.
In his private life, he pursued many interests, including race car driving, acquiring his private pilot’s license, and achieving three black belts in various karate disciplines.
Chris was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Cosby Lee Smith and Ruth Ellen (nee Bensheimer) and was a step-son of Jack Spurlin. Although he grew up in many locations as a “military brat”, his primary residence was in Indiana prior to his retirement.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years (and friend of 60 years, whom he first met while their parents were stationed in Paris, France) Anne Critcher (nee Clark) Smith, his daughter, Shannon (nee Smith) Calloway, son Shane Smith, biological daughter, Brooke (nee Willey) Scalf, step-son, Todd (Nicole) Schaefer, step-daughter Christina (Brian) Zechiel, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous half-siblings, his step-father, Jack Spurlin, a sister-in-law, Leslie Littleton Clark, and friends that became family, Tom (and his son, Brad) Umbarger, Mike Hardamon, Gary and Debbie Krupsky, many other close friends and neighbors in Indiana and Florida, as well as numerous life-long fellow “military brats” he has known since his family was stationed in Paris.
He is predeceased by his biological mother and father and his in-laws, Colonel Howard Warren Clark (USMA 41) and Elizabeth (nee North) Clark.
Funeral Services will be held at later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Charles “Chris” Smith to the Salvation Army, the VFW, or the American Legion, or any other military organization that aids veterans.
If hands can reach beyond this world, his wife’s hand will always be in his. Death ends life, but not relationships.
Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL 32068 is serving the family. Please leave words of comfort at hollyhillfunerals.com for the family.
