Charles Albert Smith, Jr. By Bill Smith

Our big brother died yesterday. Almost five years ago a brain tumor and a dozen subsequent surgeries sapped his health and part of his spirit. Yesterday, we lost the rest of him.

We'll remember him for his intellect, his craftsmanship and his dry wit. Charlie was the first in our family and one of the first of Ed and Minnie's grandchildren to earn a college degree. As a young man he loved to read, listen to classical music and to travel and had strong views opposing the Vietnam War. But, instead of using his education to earn a living, he chose to work as a craftsman doing what he enjoyed. Most of his brothers' and sisters' homes contain tributes to his furniture making and cabinetry skills. Charlie was quiet like his father and kept mostly to himself, but he had a keen sense of humor and sarcasm. Just before he entered the hospital for his first surgery, Linda George and I were visiting him on his back porch, when he set up his telescope and stared into it. "What are you looking at?" we asked. "Intelligent life. There's none around here," he retorted without cracking a smile.

So while Charlie continues his search in a better place, we will be visiting at the Ratterman Funeral Home on Bardstown Road in Buechel.

Charles Albert Smith, Jr.

Charles Albert Smith, Jr, 70, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016. Charlie was born on August 30, 1945 to Frances Belle Netherton Smith and Charles Albert Smith. He is survived by his mother, Frances, and his 9 siblings; Carol (Bob) Mathison, Barbara (Roddy) Wilder, Linda (George) Recktenwald, Joseph (Susan), William (Janet), Donald (Louie), Elaine (Frank) Hulsman, James (Denise), and Karen (David) Bruner. He is also survived by 23 nieces and nephews, 26 great nieces and nephews, and 5 great, great nieces and nephews. Charlie attended St. Brigid School and graduated from St. Xavier High School. He attended the Xaverian Brothers Novitiate, University of Kentucky, and held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bellarmine University. He retired from Allied Custom Kitchens as manager of the countertop fabrication 4 years ago. He will always be remembered for the furniture, cabinets, and handicrafts that he created for the family, as well as for the flowers and vegetables that he grew in his garden and shared at family gatherings.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 8, 2016 from 2:00pm - 8:00pm at: Ratterman Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40218

A private family service will follow.