Charles N. Smith Jr's Obituary
Charles N. Smith Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away February 5, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 7, 1944, in the District and Province of Panama to Charles N. Smith Sr. and Thelma Isaline Howard, Charles lived a life defined by faith, courage, service, and devotion to family.
He attended the private Catholic school San Vicente de Paúl in Panamá, where he graduated with honors—an early sign of the dedication and discipline that would guide him throughout his life.
After moving to New York, Charles answered the call to serve his adopted country by joining the United States Air Force in 1967. During the Vietnam War, he trained and served as an offsite medic, caring for others with skill and compassion. He was honorably discharged in 1971 with the rank of Sergeant. His time in the Air Force sparked a lifelong passion for the medical profession.
Determined to continue serving others, Charles attended Washington Technical Institute, earning an Associates Degree in Applied Science with a focus in Respiratory Therapy in 1974. Committed to excellence in his field, he went on to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Throughout his career, he worked in both home health care and hospital settings, serving in individual contributor and supervisory roles. His colleagues and patients alike respected his knowledge, steady presence, and genuine care.
In 1976, at a time when cross-racial relationships were often met with resistance, Charles took a courageous leap of faith in love and married Barbara L. Smith. Together they built a strong and enduring marriage of 49 years. Charles lovingly embraced a blended family, welcoming Tasha and Seth as his own, and later extending his legacy with the births of Jennifer and Charles III (Trey). The family established roots in Capitol Heights, Maryland, before moving to Annapolis, Maryland in 1986.
A man of deep and abiding faith, Charles quickly became an active member of St. Andrew’s by the Bay upon arriving in Annapolis. He was devoted to his parish community and also served as a proud 4th degree Knights of Columbus-Assembly 381 member, living out his faith through service and fellowship.
Charles found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved tending to his garden, working out, running errands, and striking up conversations wherever he went. He was rarely without his Dallas Cowboys attire and never missed an opportunity to cheer on his team with enthusiasm. His humor, warmth, and easygoing spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 49 years, Barbara L. Smith; daughter Tasha Hanegraaf (Stewart); daughter Jennifer N. Jones (Van); son Charles N. Smith III (Ruth); sister Elena Yates (Ernest); and brother Dr. Tomas P. Smith-Howard (Camila). He is also survived by nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, one niece, several nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews who will carry forward his legacy of faith, resilience, and love.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles N. Smith Sr.; his mother, Thelma Isaline Howard; his son, Seth R. Lopatkiewicz; and his granddaughter, Aliyah Smith.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all family and friends for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
In one final sentiment that perfectly captures his spirit and joy for life:
“How ’bout ’dem Cowboys!”
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