Charles “Charlie” Ronald Smith was born December 22, 1942 in Coffeyville, Kansas to Charles and Myrl Smith. He was the oldest of 3 children. He grew up in Bartlesville and was known by everyone as “Ronnie.”
In high school he was friends with a family that lived across the street. At some point, he realized his friend’s younger sister was pretty and they soon became a couple. He married his sweetheart, Beth Boman, on December 23, 1962 while on leave during his service in the United States Navy. Their marriage was blessed with 4 children. The couple lived in San Hosea, California until he finished his military service. They moved back to Oklahoma, living in Bartlesville and Tulsa before finally settling in the Sapulpa/Kiefer area where they continued to raise their family.
Charlie was a good-natured man and loved people. He enjoyed talking and visiting with everyone. He never met a stranger. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and working on cars when he was younger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a hard-working man, both professionally and personally. When not working he enjoyed keeping his 5 acres mowed and trimmed until there was not a tree, fence or other obstacle left ungroomed. Often accomplishing his mowing with a grandchild on his lap. Charlie worked in the shop at Sooner Tire for many years and later worked with his son, Doug, at Bennett Steel. He was a member of Old Path Baptist Church and when he was able helped with a bus route bringing children to church. He began driving a church bus as a ministry with his wife Beth in the 70s at Baptist Temple in Bartlesville, had a bus route for many years at Bible Baptist in Sapulpa and later at South West Baptist in Tulsa as well. He spent many years in service to the Lord bringing children to church and enjoyed being around the kids he brought to church.
Charlie had Alzheimer’s disease for many years and was unable to do many things he once enjoyed. The one thing he loved until the very last was his family. He liked to tease and play with his grandkids and the they loved playing with “Pa Pa.” Charlie made his journey to Heaven on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 with his family at his side. His failing sight and clouded mind have been restored and he is probably talking, visiting and telling stories in Heaven right now. His quick smile, corny jokes and big heart will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Myrl Smith; his brother Rick Smith; and grandson Douglas Smith. He is survived by his wife Beth Smith; son Doug Smith; daughter Brenda Smith; son Matthew Smith and wife Michelle Smith; daughter Kathy Smith and Kenny Drywater; sister Vera Cichon; grandchildren Patti, Clint, Laurie, Jordan, Aidan, Cydney, Devin, Delilah and Kenny along with many other family members and friends.
Funeral Services will be at 10 am on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Green Hill Funeral Home. Visitation is scheduled on Friday with the family at the funeral home to greet friends from 5-7 pm. 918-224-2312
