Charles Smith

Charles L. Smith, peacefully passed away after an extended illness on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 at the age of 78.

Charles was born in Victoria on Sept. 8, 1934 to the late Charles F. and Alice B. Goff Smith. He attended schools in Ganado,and graduated from Ganado High School in 1952. He received a football scholarship to Victoria Junior College and loved telling stories about his playing days for the Pirates. Charles then transferred to North Texas State where he completed his football eligibility. Needing to be closer to home, he completed his college career, graduating in 1956 with a BA in business from Sam Houston State University. Charles felt the need to serve his country and served in the U.S.Army from 1957 to 1959. After his time in the Army, he returned to Ganado and worked the rest of his life farming and ranching. One of his greatest joys was providing show pigs for young people in the surrounding counties. In fact, several of his pigs won blue ribbons at county fairs.

Charles was an active member Ganado's First Baptist Church and served as Deacon, Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School teacher and choir member.

He also served on the Colorado and San Felipe Baptist Association Board and was chairman of the board for the Texas Baptist Encampment in Palacios.  He loved to study his Bible and was never hesitant to tell others about what Jesus had done in his life. He was also very active in his community and served on numerous boards including the Jaycees, Jackson County Farm Bureau, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Board of Development. He was elected to serve on the Jackson Countywide Drainage District in 1995 and served in that position until his retirement. Charles received the outstanding Conservation Farmer Award from the County Soil and Water District and the Goodyear Conservation Award for accomplishment in Resource Conservation. He also served on the Jackson County Rice Advisory Committee for 19 years. He was a 32 degree Mason and served as Worshipful Master of the Ganado Lodge #1055. He was also a member of the Eastern Star and served along with his wife, Geraldine, as Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron.

Charles is survived by his wife of 50 years, Geraldine Lummus Smith; his step-daughter, Bobbie Anne Stanley (husband Dr. Arthur) Munford, of Victoria; and step-daughter-in-law, Becky Boepple Stanley, of Friendswood. He is also survived by grandchildren Laura Munford (husband Jeff) Packard, Gary (wife Jana) Munford, Jason (wife Tracy) Munford, Matthew (wife Jennifer) Stanley and David (wife Voula) Stanley. Great-grandchildren Brianna Packard, Joshua Packard, Brooke Munford, Jordyn Munford, Jacob Munford, Emma Munford, Ashlyne Stanley, Pierce Stanley and Dean Stanley. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and step-son, Jerry Douglas Stanley.

The family received friends and relatives from 6 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at the Ganado Funeral Home, 800 So. Third St.

A celebration of his life and legacy will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at the Ganado First Baptist Church with Reverand Ric Dubroc officiating. Military graveside services will follow at Ganado Cemetery under the direction of Ganado VFW 346 Post.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the First Baptist Church in Ganado, or Hospice of South Texas.

Funeral services are under the direction of Ganado Funeral Home, Ganado, 361-771-2120.