MIDDLESBORO — Charles A. Smith, age 65, passed away Friday, October 30, 2009, at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N. C

He was born March 1, 1944 in Middlesboro, the son of the late Arthur and Katherine Brimm Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bob Smith; and a sister, Dane Smith.

A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend, Charlie, as he was known by his friends, had worked with Schnieder’s Meat Packing, had been a coal miner, and worked in maintenance with Federal Housing. He retired in 2008 from the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, a job that he loved and took great pride in. An avid motorcyclist, he loved to ride and admire God’s beauty in different parts of the country. He also felt blessed when he could enjoy a ride for charity.

He believed in Jesus Christ, and was saved many years ago. He attended the West Cumberland Avenue Baptist Church.

Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Janice Partin Smith; three children of whom he was extremely proud, Charles Steven Smith of Middlesboro, Tonya Sumper of Blountville, Tenn., and Shane Harvey Smith and his wife Brooke Alexander Smith of Knoxville, Tenn; eight “great” grandchildren, Chelsea and John Tyler Sumpter, and Savanna and Adam Smith, all of Blountville, Tenn., and Madison, Logan, Kade and Xander Smith of Knoxville, Tenn.; his mother-in-law, who cooked for him each Sunday, Edna Browning of Middlesboro; brother-in-law, John H. Partin and wife Gail of Hanford, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Lendora Helton and husband Dave of Corbin, Ky., Robin Cunningham and husband Chris of Louisville, Ky.; many nieces and nephews survive him, including Chase and Caroline Cunningham, who referred to him as “Uncle Pa”. He is also survived by his many friends and extended family and his great riding buddies.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 3, at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Danny Robbins, the Rev. Boyd Gray, and the Rev. Keith Medley officiating. Music will be provided by Jackie May.

Burial will follow in the Green Hills Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Hill Turner, Don Pratt, Edward “Spanky” Spanski, Dave Helton, Chris Cunningham, John Partin, Robert Miracle, and Jerry Pratt. Honorary pallbearers will be David Sowders, Jerry Martin, Coy Silcox, Jimmy Thomas, Ben Partin, Troy Welch, Randy Partin, Bill Mills, and Dr. William Powers.

The family received friends from 6-9 p.m. Monday, November 2, at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel.

Shumate Funeral Home is entrusted with all arrangements.

Guestbook at www.shumatefuneralhome.com