Charles F. Smith, 89, Normandy Vet, Purple Heart Recipient

Submitted by Tim Stewart Funeral Home

Charles F. Smith age 89 of Snellville, passed away, Thursday, March 13, 2014.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 15, 2014, with Rev. Jon Langford, Rev. Jim Crutchfield, and Chaplin Doug Watson officiating.

The burial will follow at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, in Snellville.  Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Army, during WWII. He was a member of the Reconnaissance Company, and was part of the following battles: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe.

During his time in the military he received the following decorations and citations: American Theater Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal, Purple Heart, Silver Star Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with 5 Bronze Service Stars; Awarded French Croix de Guerre (French Cross of War); Chevalier de la Legion d’Honnour (French Knight of the Legion of Honor); and the city of Snellville Proclamation "Charles F. Smith Day" on Monday, June 14, 2010.

He also served as Chaplain and Life Member of Disabled American Veterans (Gwinnett 90) and Post Commander (1994-1995) and Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW4180).  He was a Deacon Emeritus at Bethany Baptist Church and Top of Georgia Airstream Past President.

Mr. Smith worked as Sales Manager for Columbia Records, Memphis, TN; VP of Country Music Sales with RCA Records, Nashville, TN; and he retired as Regional Sales Manager with the National Enquirer (Chicago & Atlanta).

He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Clara A. Smith, Snellville; Daughters & Sons-in-law: Becky & Jay Troutman, Missouri City, TX; Jeannine & Darius Robertson, Burnsville, NC; Chris Smith; Snellville, GA; Sisters: Charlene Craig, Herndon, VA; Sara Shelton, Memphis, TN; Grandchildren: Jon & Heather Langford; Jennifer Anderson, Angela & Scott Shepherd; Stephanie & Frank Laughlin, Christie & Brandon Reissiger, Jared & Megan Troutman; and 12 Great Grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Honor Flight Inc of Conyers, PO Box 81122, Conyers, GA 30013 or Bethany Baptist Church, 2306 Bethany Church Road, Snellville, GA 30039.  The family will receive friends 12:30-2:00 PM, Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 2246 Wisteria Drive, Snellville, GA 30078. 770-979-5010. Please sign the online guest book at www.stewartfh.com