Charles Martin Smith, aged 71, passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, Mississippi. He was born on March 4, 1947 in Picayune, Mississippi to Billy and Margaret (Mitchell) Smith. Charlie grew up in Picayune, Mississippi.

He graduated from Picayune High School in 1965. After high school he attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi where he received a degree in television and radio communications. He worked as district manager for TWL Stores and retired in 1999.

Charlie was a member of Monticello United Methodist Church and a former member and Deacon at Bethel Baptist Church. He had a passion for turkey hunting. He was actively involved in establishing the Lawrence County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. He left a legacy to many young men as he passed along his knowledge of turkey hunting, fishing and his love of the outdoors…it made for lasting friendships and was one of his greatest pleasures.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Billy and Margaret Mitchell Smith, and first wife Nancy Roberts Smith.

He is survived by his spouse, Annie Laurie (Fortenberry) Smith of Monticello, Mississippi (formerly of Columbia, Mississippi). He is also survived by his daughter Wendy (Smith) Hart of Monticello, Mississippi; daughter Robin (Smith) Merle, husband Eric Merle of St. Louis, Missouri; his stepson William C Lawrence and wife Tonya of Madison, Mississippi.

Grandchildren: Zoe, Robert, and William Hart; William, Beatrice, Blaise, and Clementine Merle; and Cameron Grace Lawrence.

A Celebration of Life service was held at Monticello United Methodist Church on March 7, 2018 at 11:00 am. The Minister officiating the service was Rev. Mike Evans with Dr. Joe A Ward giving words of remembrance, Rev. Paul Smith (former pastor) delivery of sermon, and special music by Rev Tim Morrison and Amy Bacon. Honorary Pallbearers were Doug Duncan, Bobby Grubbs, Nick Farthing, Pete Mathews, Alan Moody, and the Men’s Sunday School Class.