Charles Robert Smith, Sr.

Mr. Charles Robert “Sunny” Smith, Sr., 85, husband of the late Marion Bingham Smith and a resident of Accomac, VA, passed away Monday, July 1, 2019, at Shore Health and Rehabilitation Center in Parksley, VA. Born February 6, 1934 in Birdsnest, VA, he was a son of the late Charles Lee Smith and Esther Louisa Buehler Smith.

Charles spent his formative years in the Philadelphia area, where he met the love of his life and began on a journey that would eventually take him home to his native Eastern Shore, where he and Marion decided to raise their family. After serving in the U.S. Merchant Marines, Charles found a career - his calling really - as an independent contractor building and repairing homes across the Shore and in neighboring states. Respected and valued for his craftsmanship and expert knowledge, he later went to work for Best Drywall and K.B. Coldiron, Inc., where he worked as a construction foreman until his retirement. He was very passionate about his work and took great pride in his trade.

Outside of work, faith and family were important to Charles. He attended Rock Church of the Eastern Shore for many years. In his free time, he enjoyed working on stained glass with Marion, playing cards and dominos with family and friends, and going for long, relaxing drives just to see what nature had on display, be it on the wildlife loop of Assateague Island or along the Eastern Shore’s scenic Seaside Road. He never met an animal he didn’t love and over the years had many cherished pets whose company he thoroughly enjoyed.

Survivors include seven children, Charles Robert Smith, Jr. of Las Vegas, NV; Marion Linda Smith of Accomac; John Ross Smith, Sr. of Keller, VA; Brian Richard Smith, Sr. of Craddockville, VA; Michael Raymond Smith of Camden, DE; Elizabeth Arlene Alves and husband Ron of American Canyon, CA; and Angela Smith Guy and husband Chip of Laurel, DE; sister, Shirley Aspas of Birdsnest; brother, Rev. Edward L. Smith and wife Dorothy of Dublin, VA; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Violet Opert.

A memorial service will be conducted from the graveside at the Belle Haven Cemetery on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Paul Nolz officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.     

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