Charles Larson “Charlie” Smith, 84, a resident of Thomas passed from this life early Saturday morning, August 10, 2013.
He was born Wednesday, August 29, 1928, a son of the late William Andes Smith II and Margaret K Smith Larson in Rio, Martin County, Fla. On May 1, 1953, he married the former Edna Jane “Janie” Elkins and they lived in Stuart, Florida before retiring to Thomas, West Virginia in 2000, where they managed the Ladybug Bed & Breakfast.
Charlie is survived by his daughter Donna Renee Sinclair (Smith), sons Mark Larson Smith and Chester Bryan Smith, grandson Charles Michael Smith, granddaughter Jessi Smith and great granddaughter Amanda Smith.
He graduated from Mount Dora High School, and attended University of Florida, before joining the Army Air Corps. After being honorably discharged from the Army Air Corps, he returned to Martin County, where he founded and served as first President of the Florida Archery Association.
Charlie was an avid fisherman, hunter, pilot, and all around man’s man. He was also a member of a local water ski club, where he courted his late wife, Janie. As the owner of Charles L Smith Marine Construction, he built many docks, seawalls, and other marine construction projects throughout South Florida. He was truly a pioneer of Martin County, with many of his marine projects still standing today.
Charlie was also an avid carpenter; he worked for J.W. Gilson making tackle boxes, and purchased the copyright in the early 1950s. He continued to make the old Florida style wooden tackle boxes for over 50 years, and they are now a sought after collector’s item.
A memorial service will be held Friday, August 16, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Pendleton Point Overlook in Blackwater Falls State Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
The Summerfield Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Charles Larson Smith. Send online condolences to the family at www.summerfieldfuneralhome.com
