It is with deep sadness and profound love that the family of Charles Edward Smith, Sr., age 88, announces his peaceful passing on September 13, 2026, at his residence in Wadley.

Charles was born on August 28, 1938, in Wadley, Georgia, to the late William Patrick Smith and Coralie Stevens Smith. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend, lived a life defined by kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Charles graduated from Wadley High School in 1957 and later served honorably in the United States National Guard. Following his military service, he built a successful career breeding Polled Hereford and Angus cattle, known as CES Herefords and Angus where he was respected for his leadership, wisdom, and commitment to helping others. He was inducted into the Georgia Hereford Hall of Fame in 2021. To those who knew him best, however, his greatest accomplishment was his role as a loving family man.

Throughout his life, he was deeply committed to agriculture, education, and community service. He proudly served on the Georgia Hereford Association Board of Directors from 1991 to 1993 and was elected President of the Association for the 1992-1993 term. His dedication to youth and education was evident as a founding member of Thomas Jefferson Academy, helping establish an institution that continues to impact generations of students including his children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren. In recognition of his family's enduring agricultural legacy and stewardship of the land, his farm was designated a Georgia Centennial Farm in 2017, an honor celebrating more than a century of continuous family ownership and operation.

A lifelong farmer and dedicated steward of the land, he earned widespread respect for his commitment to agriculture and his pursuit of excellence. Throughout his career, he received countless honors for outstanding cotton, corn, and peanut production. Among the recognitions he cherished most were his repeated induction into the prestigious 200 Bushel Corn Club and his multiple awards as a member of the Money Maker Peanut Club. His leadership and dedication to conservation were further recognized when he was named Soil Conservationist of the Year. In addition, his lasting contributions to Georgia's cattle industry were honored with the distinguished title of Georgia Purebred Cattleman of the Year. He has been involved in ownership of several agribusinesses over the years including Producers Peanut, Premium Peanut and Farmers Gin and Storage.

Charles found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed fishing, farming, and cheering on his grandchildren and great grandchildren at their activities (especially basketball, his favorite). Sharing stories at the red barn or on the back porch with family and friends were his best moments. Charles traveled many miles across the country with the grandchildren to Jr. National Hereford Expos exhibiting cattle. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and willingness to help anyone in need left a lasting impression on all who knew him. A lifelong farmer and dedicated steward of the land, he earned widespread respect for his commitment to agriculture and his pursuit of excellence. Throughout his career, he received countless honors for outstanding cotton, corn, and peanut production. Among the recognitions he cherished most were his repeated induction into the prestigious 200 Bushel Corn Club and his multiple awards as a member of the Money Maker Peanut Club. His leadership and dedication to conservation were further recognized when he was named Soil Conservationist of the Year. In addition, his lasting contributions to Georgia's cattle industry were honored with the distinguished title of Georgia Purebred Cattleman of the Year.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Judith Bettilu Morris Smith; his children, Lynne (Chris) Oglesby and Charles (Melinda) Edward Smith, Jr., 3 step children Darryl Morris, Dwayne (Sherri) Morris, and Michele Brassell; his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer (Kyle) Gillooly, Adam (Lyndsey) Oglesby, Brittney Smith, Betsy Brown, Tom (Kelly) Oglesby, Kristen (Jon) Black, Dr. Charlotte (Carson) Hand, Charles "Tripp" Edward Smith III; great grandchildren, Grant Gillooly, Diana Kate Gillooly, McKenna Oglesby, Blakely Oglesby, Marlow Oglesby, Maddux Black and Ellena Black and Baby Hand coming next year (which he was most excited for); his brother Wynder Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years Diane Cobb Smith, sister Patricia Smith Edwards and a great-granddaughter, Lucy Sue Oglesby.

A celebration of Charles's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Moxley Methodist Church, Wadley, GA

The family will receive friends on Tuesday night from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the church.

Interment will follow in church cemetery. Moxley Methodist was his home church in which he was a lifelong member.

Although Charles will be deeply missed, his legacy of faith, love, generosity, and compassion will live in the hearts of all who knew him.

Memorials or contributions can be made to Thomas Jefferson Academy 2264 Hwy 1 North Louisville, GA 30477 or Georgia Junior Hereford Association PO Box 128 Mershon, GA 31551 where we plan to establish a scholarship for deserving youth wanting to pursue a career in agriculture.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23