Charles Ernest Smith

Charles Ernest Smith died December 27 at the age of 96 in Cincinnati, Ohio. A resident of Valdosta for 43 years, he and his wife of 65 years, Helen, were very active in community life until their move to Cincinnati in 1999.

Known as “Mr. Charlie,” he was an active member of the First Baptist Church and former chairman of the Board of Deacons. He was a faithful member of the Scrap Iron Sunday School Class at First Baptist. He provided music for the chapel services at the old Troupeville Prison for twelve years. He also played his accordion and the organ for his church and other organizations. He was a member for 35 years and past president of the Valdosta Kiwanis Club both in 1965 and the mid-90’s and often sold more poinsettias at Christmas than anyone. He participated in the annual Kiwanis Walks for Charity. The Kiwanis Club bestowed on him the prestigious Hixson Award for his many years of exemplary service. He was a past president of the local unit of the American Heart Association. He also was past president of the old Girls’ Club and was an emeritus member of the Board of the Directors of the Valdosta Boys and Girls’ Club. He was a faithful member of the June Norwood Coffee Club. Charlie and Helen shared the blossoms of their 75 rose bushes with friends, businesses and churches for many years.

Employed for 47 years with the Bell Telephone System, he also worked for the First National Bank in Valdosta for 13 years.

He is survived by two daughters: Angela Smith Madden and Son-in-Law, Peter M. Madden of Cincinnati; Darlene Smith Kostrub and Son-in-Law, The Rev. Kernie Kostrub of Boca Raton, Florida. His grandchildren include: Susan Madden Finger and husband Brian of Gulf Breeze, Florida; Dr. P. Charles Madden and wife Ginger of Cincinnati; John Scott Madden and wife Jackie of Charlotte; Sarah Kostrub Brindamour and husband Timothy of Boca Raton; and Anna Kostrub Parker and husband Jim of Coconut Creek, Florida. He also has six great-grandchildren.

Services will be held in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 2 at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends at Carson McLane before the service from 10-11 a.m. Following the service, there will be a graveside service at Sunset Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valdosta Boys and Girls Club or the First Baptist Church of Valdosta.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602