Charles F. Smith

Charles Forster Smith, Jr., 89, of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, husband of Olivette Garr Smith entered into eternal rest Saturday, March 30, 2013. His Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2013 in First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, 53 Meeting Street in Charleston at 1:00 pm There will be a reception following the service in Molly Wier Hall. Burial will take place in Magnolia Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, April 1, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.

Mr. Smith was born May 19, 1923 in Newberry, SC son of Mae Davis of Winsboro, SC and Charles Forster Smith of Newberry, SC. He attended Newberry public schools and Newberry College of 3 years. Charles left Newberry College in June, 1943 to enlist in the Army, spending the summer in basic training at Fort Jackson. After advanced training at Camp Wallace, Texas and at Texas A&M University, Charles was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 345th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division of General Patton's Third Army. Advancing to the rank of sergeant, he served as a squad leader in an anti-tank platoon participating in the Battle of the Bulge.

Charles fought in four major campaigns during his European tour, including rescue of 101st Airborne Division, breaking through the Siegfried line, and liberating a Dutch labor camp. Wounded in a mortar attack in April, 1945, he spent two months in three French hospitals. Following the Allied victory in Europe, Charles returned to New York Harbor aboard the USS America. Serving his country well for two-and-half years. Charles was awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Combat infantry badge, Bronze Star, a Presidential Citation and other combat metals.

After the military, he returned to Newberry College, where he graduated in 1947. He was employed with the CPA firm of George McKnight, 12 Broad Street, Charleston, SC and audited for the city and county schools, continuing accounting until his retirement in 1992.

He is survived by his wife Olivette Garr Smith of 65 years; his daughter, Maureen Smith Hamilton and her husband David Lee Hamilton, Jr., of Pawley's Island; grandchildren: Richard S. W. Stoney, Jr. of Charleston, Ashley Wieters and Mark Redmond of Charleston, William Charlton Wieters of Charleston, and Forest Smith Wieters of Charleston; great-grandchildren: John Andrew and Ellen Redmond, and Hampton Wieters; step-grandchildren: David Lee Hamilton III and Lauren Hamilton of West Palm Beach, FL, and Lesslie Hamilton Ray and Phillip Ray of New York, NY; step great-grandchildren: Michael Hamilton, Jack Hamilton, and Adair Hamilton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Charlene Smith Wieters of Charleston and brother, Robert Landon Smith of Columbus, GA.

Memorials may be made to First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, 53 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401, or Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church, 9967 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

The family wishes to give special appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at Waccamaw Community Hospital and caregivers, Clementine and Anna Bell, as well as Tidelands Hospice.