Charles Ray Smith, Sr.

Charles Ray Smith, Sr. of Lufkin, Texas passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in Lufkin, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 19, 2024 in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin, Texas.

Charles was born March 31, 1947 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Carolyn Marie (Norsworthy) and Claude M. Smith. He graduated from Diboll High School and attended college at Angelina College in Lufkin. Charles married the love of his life, Diane (Jordan) March 3, 1967 in Woodville, Texas. Diane also graduated from Diboll High School, after moving from Houston, and they were married just a few short years later. March 3, 2024 would have celebrated 57 years of marriage. Charles was a hard worker and great businessman. He was the owner/operator of Quality Insulation Lufkin for 47 years before he retired in 2020.

Charles was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved nothing more than hunting and fishing with his sons and grandchildren, who all enjoy hunting and fishing to this day. Whether it was salmon fishing in Alaska, dove hunting in Argentina, elk hunting in Colorado, or just putting in the John boat to run lines, he was in. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He would light up with joy every single time he saw his family (no matter how long it had been since he saw them), and he couldn’t wait to hear anything new they had to share with him about their daily lives. He was always a good listener and would just smile and laugh while enjoying the conversations he had with his family.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Diane (Jordan) Smith of Lufkin; sons, Charles Ray “Chuck” Smith, Jr. of Diboll, Jason D. Smith and spouse Amanda Smith of Montgomery, Texas; grandchildren, Hallie and spouse Heath Thompson, Logan and spouse Laurie Smith, Emily Smith, Kylie Smith, and Sydney Smith; great-grandchild, Saylor Ray Smith; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Charles Kilgore of Kerrville; great-aunt, Zelma Smith of Lufkin; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Jordan, Larry Jordan, Ronnie Jordan, and Joe Lee Register.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’ name to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.