Some men leave footprints; Charlie Smith left tire marks.
Charlie, 67, of Oblong, IL, passed away on January 2, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN. To know the man was to know someone truly one of a kind—a man who lived life unapologetically and made sure everyone around him felt his vibrant, larger-than-life presence. Born on July 26, 1957, he grew up in Robinson, where he made a name for himself early on—not necessarily for following rules, but for breaking them in style! As a member of Robinson High School’s Class of 1975, Charlie was known for his rebellious streak, once getting kicked out of class and celebrating the occasion by doing donuts on the school lawn. This mischievous spark would follow him well into adulthood.
Charlie built a career as a highly skilled union pipefitter with Local #157, where he worked for over 35 years. Early on, he traveled across the Midwest, tackling jobs far from home before finding a steady role at the Marathon refinery through Senco. Known by the nickname “Tuna,” Charlie was a phenomenal welder and the go-to guy when something needed fixing, especially when it came to cars. His mechanical expertise was legendary, and friends and family never hesitated to call when they needed advice—or a miracle. But he was more than just a mechanic or a welder; he was a collector of life’s oddities. Charlie’s prized possessions included not only car parts and tools but also a camel saddle (because, really, who wouldn’t want one?), an elephant gun (in hopeful anticipation that a circus animal got loose), and even a bear trap (because, you know, all of those bears we have to watch out for here in Crawford County…) Needless to say, he was a man who lived for the thrill of finding the unusual at auctions and garage sales, often traveling great distances to snag a bargain.
But no part of his collection was more cherished than his ’63 Split-Window Corvette, his pride and joy. A lifelong hot rod enthusiast, he never missed the NHRA drag races, attending every Labor Day weekend since the age of 16. He even drag-raced as a young man, famously earning 16 tickets in one night—a badge of honor in a different era. For all his love of speed and life lived in the fast lane, Charlie sure took his time when it came to marrying the love of his life, Becky. After 15 years of dating and countless jokes about “one day” tying the knot, he finally made good on his promise—on July 4, 2014, a date he humorously pitched year after year without ever specifying which one! Becky had dreams of a big wedding, but Charlie, ever the prankster, preferred something simpler, wary of payback for antics like spiking the punch with Everclear or cutting the power mid-ceremony at other people’s weddings! Though it took a while to reach the altar, their love was steady and enduring—a testament to how, when it truly mattered, Charlie knew when to ease off the throttle and savor the ride.
He found joy in being a stepfather to Becky’s children, Shonda Wade and Curtis (Mikka) Legg, and an adoring Papaw to Shonda’s kids, Gradee and Huck Wade. Whether it was hunting trips with Shonda and his nephews, cheering on the Cardinals at ballgames, or embarrassing everyone with a brash comment in Walmart, Charlie made every moment memorable. His heart, though often hidden beneath his tough exterior, revealed itself in the quiet moments—like when he cried after losing his beloved dog, Hopie, or when he devoted himself to caring for stray cats (who quickly took over his garage.) For all his bravado, the man had a soft spot for the vulnerable.
Charlie was a man who lived large, laughed loud, and left no one indifferent. He was the guy you couldn’t forget even if you tried, with a heart as big as his personality. To those who knew and loved him, Charlie wasn’t just a character—he was the main event. And though he may be gone from our sight, his stories, his laughter, and his spirit will live on in the memories of all who knew him. Truly, there will never be another like Charlie Smith!
In addition to his wife, Becky Smith, Charlie is survived by his stepchildren, Shonda Wade and Curtis (Mikka) Legg; his grandchildren, Gradee and Huck Wade; his nieces and nephews, DJ Brock, Billy Brock, Shelly Brock, Tara McMichael, and Brittany McCullough; and a close family friend, Perry Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald P. & Gladys (Weger) Smith; his brothers, Donnie and Kenny Smith; his sister, Linda Brock; and, of course, his beloved Hopie.
A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Gene Beard, Jr. and Celebrant Curt Goodwine. Burial will be in Robinson New Cemetery. In honor of Charlie’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to the “Crawford County Humane Society”, with envelopes available at the funeral home. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.
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