Charles Moore Smith

The poet William Hamilton Hayne penned these words: “It matters not that Time has shed His thawless snow upon your head, For He maintains, with wondrous art, Perpetual summer in your heart. The life story of Charles Moore Smith was birthed in Rapid City, South Dakota. The boy, who would come to be known to all as “Charlie” was one of two children born to the late Charles James Smith, Jr. and Martha Moore Smith. Charlie was born in South Dakota where his father was stationed in the military during World War II. The family would relocate to Newnan as the war wound down and his father’s tour of duty was completed. Charlie graduated Newnan High School, class of 1962. Friendships formed during his school years would remain close and active for the rest of his life. In typical Charlie style, such close friendships would eventually be a prelude for serving as a pallbearer at a friend’s funeral. Since Charlie decided that his end of life story would not include a casket, we are uncertain of a title for these gentleman as it relates to his style of funeral. Public input is encouraged. For whatever title under which they serve, these lifelong partners in mischief and fun are Joe MacNabb, Pope Jones, Parnell Odom, Otis Jones, Joe Crain, Gaston Green, Bill Berry, Tom Farmer, Hunt Fulwiler and Walker Moody. Charlie continued his education after high school by attending The University of Georgia where he graduated in 1967. The Vietnam War would come into Charlie’s life as World War II did in the life of his father. After college he enrolled in Officer Candidate School for the Air Force. He served one tour of duty 1968-1969 as a First Lieutenant (Quartermaster Corp). He was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Forces. Following his return home to Newnan after the war, he began a successful career in banking. Having come from a family of entrepreneurs, he presented a skill set that tailored his customers’ business plans with financial services his bank could extend. In 1979, the premier printing company in Newnan, Murray Printing Company, was offered for sale and Charlie and Lynn bought the company. For the next years, it was Newnan’s finest business of its kind. Charlie would soon embark on yet another career course as a bailiff in the local court system and was a welcoming presence in an environment that was often fraught with stress. He was still involved in the court system up until his death. Charlie and Lynn found a sound anchor for their faith in Newnan’s Central Baptist Church. Charlie’s faith statement was incredibly simple and brought into reference the way in which he lived his entire life. He firmly felt that the way to do what God wanted, and expected, of His people was to love God, love family, love friends. A scripture from the Book of Micah expounds the principal “What does God require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”. While Charlie might not have had that passage on the tip of his tongue, he did have that thought process deeply embedded in his moral fiber. Charlie loved being a part of the rich tapestry of life in his beloved Newnan and offered himself for service as opportunities presented themselves. Charlie’s most heartfelt activity, though was in his role as a trusted and admired family man. Charlie married Evelyn Cecelia Ratigan on June 10, 1967 and thus began a lifetime of love, adventure and dedication as he immersed himself in his responsibilities as a husband, father and grandfather. Life offered little preparation nor a handbook as he would find himself as a support person when Lynn’s life in public service would expand as she became one of the driving forces in the Georgia state legislature. Charlie found life as a father to be a continuing source of amusement as he navigated life as the only male in a house of three very strong women. Daughter Martha Lynn would marry Darren Scott Mitchell and present the family a grandson, Charles William Mitchell. Jacqueline “Jackie” Maria presented the family circle another son-in-law, Russell W. Baxley and another grandson, Francis “Frank” Ratigan Baxley. Surviving Charlie is a brother, James Cliff Smith and his wife Martha Duncan Smith. Their sons are Proctor Smith and his wife Stephanie, William Clifton Smith and his wife Michelle. Grandnieces and grandnephews are Josh (and Julia) Thompson, Martha Katherine (Katie), Annette Bentley Smith, Sadie Claire Smith, Patrick Clifton Smith, Thomas Christopher Smith. There is a wide and extended family of Lynn’s Ratigan relatives. Of significant importance is Charlie’s rays of furry sunshine, his dog Pawley, and before Pawley, Babe and Pebbles. Friends and family will come together on Monday, February 24, 2020 at one of Charlie’s favorite haunts, The Redneck Gourmet at 11 North Court Square. A reception beginning at 2:00 PM will continue until 3:30 PM. The memorial service to share this good life story and to thank God for it will be at 4:00 PM in the sanctuary of Central Baptist Church on West Broad Street and will be led by Reverend Matt Sapp and Dr. Joel Richardson. For those who wish to honor this life with a memorial donation it is suggested that consideration be given to Central Baptist Church 14 West Broad Street Newnan GA 30263 or The Newnan Coweta Humane Society 608 US 29N Newnan GA 30263. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory 770-253-4580.

Charles Moore Smith

December 5, 1944 - February 21, 2020