In Memory

Charles "Chris" Smith - Class Of 1967

Charles Chris Smith

We are saddened to inform you that we learned recently of the death of one of our alumni. Chris Smith, class of '67, passed away September 3, 2021 at his home in Fleming Island, Florida.

Anne Clark Smith, class of '68, his wife of 20 yearslet us know  that "It is with unfathomable sadness that I have to notify PAHS fellow classmates, that my husband of 20 years, friend of 60 years, and classmate to many at PAHS, Charles "Chris" Smith (Class of 1967) passed away last Friday evening at 8:33 PM.

His obituary link is: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/middleburg-fl/charles-smith-10337737".

Charles Lee “Chris” Smith, passed away on September 3, 2021 at the age of 74 surrounded by loved ones at his home in Fleming Island, Florida.

Chris served our country admirably from 1968 to 1971, completing two tours in Vietnam. He completed advanced individual training at Company D, 1st Battalion, 1st Engineer AIT Brigade (Pioneer) and thereafter served our country with both Companies D and N, 4th Engineer Battalion: 4th Infantry Division, 173rd Engineer Group; 173rd Airborne Brigade. He earned his Paratrooper wings at Fort Benning, Georgia, completed advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri) and Combat Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School at Camp Radcliff, RVN (Republic of Vietnam).

As an Airborne Ranger (November Rangers) in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, he was with the first American Army combat unit deployed to South Vietnam. He served honorably throughout Vietnam and excelled in many roles, including Green Beret, Demolitions Specialist, Combat Engineer, Long Range Recognizance Patrol (LRRP), helicopter repelling and paratrooper, successfully completing 1,021 parachute jumps.

Highly decorated, he earned a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces (Vietnam) and a Second Bronze Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces, the Cross of Gallantry, the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), and the RVNCM W/DEV 60 (a South Vietnamese government award to members of the South Vietnamese military for wartime service and to members of the U.S. military for support of operations in Vietnam).

Chris was a proud lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Post 6972) and the American Legion (Post 0205).

After his honorable discharge, Chris returned to the United States and applied his many diverse skills and talents throughout his professional lifetime. His occupations included Certified Accident Investigator, Karate Instructor, Manager of Safety and Maintenance at Oliver Trucking Company, Professional Driver and Driver Examiner.

In his private life, he pursued many interests, including race car driving, acquiring his private pilot’s license, and achieving three black belts in various karate disciplines.

Chris was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Cosby Lee Smith and Ruth Ellen (nee Bensheimer) and was a step-son of Jack Spurlin. Although he grew up in many locations as a “military brat”, his primary residence was in Indiana prior to his retirement. He is survived by his wife of 20 years (and friend of 60 years, whom he first met while their parents were stationed in Paris, France) Anne Critcher (nee Clark) Smith, his daughter, Shannon (nee Smith) Calloway, son Shane Smith, biological daughter, Brooke (nee Willey) Scalf, step-son, Todd (Nicole) Schaefer, step-daughter Christina (Brian) Zechiel, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous half-siblings, his step-father, Jack Spurlin, a sister-in-law, Leslie Littleton Clark, and friends that became family, Tom (and his son, Brad) Umbarger, Mike Hardamon, Gary and Debbie Krupsky, many other close friends and neighbors in Indiana and Florida, as well as numerous life-long fellow “military brats” he has known since his family was stationed in Paris. He is predeceased by his biological mother and father and his in-laws, Colonel Howard Warren Clark (USMA 41) and Elizabeth (nee North) Clark.

Funeral Services will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Charles “Chris” Smith to the Salvation Army, the VFW, or the American Legion, or any other military organization that aids veterans.

If hands can reach beyond this world, his wife’s hand will always be in his. Death ends life, but not relationships.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com for the Smith family.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/middleburg-fl/charles-smith-10337737



 
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09/11/21 01:46 PM #1    

Robert Royem (1967)

My condolences. 


09/11/21 09:29 PM #2    

Frank Corbett (1967)

My heartfelt condolences to Anne and their family. Chris was one of the good guys and his passing will be felt by a great many people - especially his PAHS family.
 


09/12/21 11:39 PM #3    

Chuck Lorimer (1968)

My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Anne and both families. Chris and I have been friends for more than 50 years. His accomplishments in life were only surpassed by his willingness to help anyone that needed it. I miss him already.


09/13/21 09:25 AM #4    

Mark Zlotkowski (1967)

You’ll always live on in my heart, Chris…such good memories. We miss you, my friend. I offer my condolences to Anne and each member of your family.


07/06/22 09:17 AM #5    

Anne Clark (Smith) (1968)

The Army ruled Chris's death as combat related and he was one of 513 honorees (including General Colin Powell) inducted at the Vietnam Wall "In-Memory" program this past June 18, 2022 in Washington, DC.  There is a special place associated with the wall for all veterans who came back from Vietnam, but later died of their injuries.  If anyone happens to be in DC, and goes to the Wall, there is a statue of 3 Vietnam Soldiers, please think of Chris if you go there.  

I was also deeply honored that along with a few of my family, two of our PAHS classmates went with me to his service, Billie (Birch) Astell (who flew out from Oregon to be there)  and Debbie (Harper) Espin (who came from Charlotte, North Carolina).  I owe them my deepest heartfelt gratitude for being there to share it with me.

Chris is so very deeply missed.  Anne


07/07/22 08:01 AM #6    

Theodore Sheppard (1967)

Wonderful honor for Chris 


07/08/22 12:59 PM #7    

Michael Oberbeck (1967)

I'm happy these 500+ are finally being recognized for their ultimate sacrifice. Many years in the making. Rest in peace Chris.

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