Obituary for
Charles Brannon Smith Sr.
Charles Brannon Smith Sr. – (August 15, 1925) from Hueytown, Alabama passed away January 1, 2017. Since May 2013, he fought valiantly to recover from a blood disease and heart issues. He was surrounded by his children and sister-in-law and caregiver at his home when he passed peacefully to join his wife, Doris Smith who passed away 10 ½ years earlier. Charles is survived by his daughter, Jackie Smith, son and daughter-in-law Charlie Smith and Teresa and Bobby Smith and Debbie, Brother Kay P. Smith and his wife (and caregiver) Sue. He was proud of and devoted to his grandchildren: Brandi Smith Morris (Richard), Brannon Smith, Nicole Smith Salter, and Rob Smith (Holly) and his great-grandchildren Chase Smith, and Kyle Smith, Jay and Lauryn Morris, Taylor and Marlee Salter, Lillian and Lainey Smith. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and he was devoted to his caregivers who worked hard to make him comfortable during his last years. (Tina, Christy, Lisa, Doug, Corciette, Renay, Jennifer, and Tasha).
Charles was a WWII veteran who served in the Air Force. After the military, he graduated from Birmingham Southern College. His life’s work included duties as a Data Analyst for 23 years at US Steel and 10 years at Jefferson County. In 1978 he founded his own computer company with his business partner, Ruth Wilcox. (S&W Minicomputers, Inc.). As CEO, he was still partially active until a few months before his death. He was a life long member of Bethlehem Methodist Church.
With his warm personality, his humble nature, his generosity, his intelligence, his sense of humor, and his kind spirit, many people were proud to call him their friend and relative. Visiting his beach home gave him tremendous pleasure, especially when the entire family was there with him. He was an avid gardener before his illness and he enjoyed his Westerns on TV. He loved grilling outside and made delicious smoked ribs. Nothing gave him more pleasure than gathering with the family and singing songs while Bobby played his guitar and Charlie played his drums.
