Funeral services for Mr. Charles “Chuck” R. Smith, age 89, of Wedowee will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Bala and Deacon Michael Cova officiating.  Burial will follow at Wedowee City Cemetery with Benefield Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The family will receive friends at the church from 9:00-11:00 AM on Thursday, September 18 before services begin.

Chuck passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, Alabama.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Evelyn M. Smith of Wedowee; one son, Charles Smith (Kelli); one daughter, Allyson Reaves (Rusty); five grandchildren, Amanda Mauter, Brianna Mauter, Caitlin Smith (Jonah Rosselot), Ashley Smith, and Colin Smith; one sister, Vernita Prather (Randy); one brother, Del Smith; dear sister-in-law, Marcia McGrail, several nieces and nephews; and a loving church family.  He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Keith, Larry, and Wayne.

A Ladysmith, Wisconsin native, Chuck was born on November 11, 1935, the son of Lawrence and Verna Roberts Smith.  He graduated from Rice Lake High School and attended the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.  Chuck joined the Army and was attached to the Army Security Corp and Veterinarian Corp during the Korean War.  He enjoyed fishing in Lake Wedowee and for 40 years in Canada with his northern family and friends and with his southern family and friends.  Chuck spent over 40 years in the financial and insurance companies in the Wisconsin and Illinois areas.

Chuck and Evelyn moved to Wedowee after retirement.  He enjoyed being a part of the Wedowee community.  Chuck’s love for animals was apparent as he became a board member of the Randolph County Animal Shelter and worked diligently to make it possible for RCAS to be established and open its doors 18 years ago.  Since then, 8,643 animals have found loving homes.

Chuck and a dear friend, Sandra Kitchens, began to make plans to bring to Wedowee a place where everyone could come by boat or car to “Praise the Lord” together.  It was the creation of “Worship on the Water.”  They were successful.  Many people are present from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Chuck was a Communicant of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and served on its board.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Randolph County Animal Shelter at 104 Animal Shelter Road, Wedowee, AL 36278.