In Memory Of
Charles "Arky" Smith
1927
2015
Charles "Arky" Smith
May 8, 1927 — September 20, 2015
Charles Meredith Smith
Charles "Arky" Smith, age 88, died peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at his home of 40 years in Golden, Colorado. Born May 8, 1927 he was the only child of Ina and Charlie Smith of Magnolia, Arkansas. In school, he excelled in sports and worked summers in the oilfields near Magnolia. He attended University of Tulsa on a football scholarship and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He played football in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day in 1945. TU was where he earned the nickname "Arky", which he went by throughout his life. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education. He left school for one year to serve in the Army as a Security Agent in Washington D.C. Arky graduated from University of Tulsa in 1948, went to work in the oil fields for a year, and then went back to school for two more years to play baseball.
Arky met and married Marilyn Anderson in 1954 in Glendive, Montana where he was working for Baroid Drilling Co. Their three daughters were born in Montana before they moved to Monahans, Texas where their two sons were born. In 1967, the family moved to Midland, Texas, where Arky enjoyed coaching little league, golfing, hunting, and caring for his yard. 1975 took him to Beirut, Lebanon for a job transfer, but due to the civil unrest there, he chose not to move the family and came home after six months.
Arky was an avid golfer for over 60 years, winning countless tournament trophies, leading groups at his local clubs, and had two hole-in-ones. He didn't quit golfing until he couldn't see the ball in the air anymore, but even then was still only 2 over par. Later in retirement, he worked as a ranger at Foothills Golf Course in Denver. In retirement he also enjoyed keeping his yard in tip top shape and collecting apples from the tree in his backyard for baking apple pies. He loved being outside and spending time with family. His home was always open to family get-togethers and frequent visits from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was kind and generous, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by daughters, Laurie Twenhofel of Lakewood, CO and Sherry Smith of Austin, TX.
Survivors include his wife Marilyn Smith, his children: Deborah(Tom) Brusehaver of Eden Prarie, MN, Robert Smith of Orem, UT, Randall Smith of Townsend, MT. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
To share a memory of Charles or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Charles "Arky" Smith, age 88, died peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at his home of 40 years in Golden, Colorado. Born May 8, 1927 he was the only child of Ina and Charlie Smith of Magnolia, Arkansas. In school, he excelled in sports and worked summers in the oilfields near Magnolia. He attended University of Tulsa on a football scholarship and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He played football in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day in 1945. TU was where he earned the nickname "Arky", which he went by throughout his life. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education. He left school for one year to serve in the Army as a Security Agent in Washington D.C. Arky graduated from University of Tulsa in 1948, went to work in the oil fields for a year, and then went back to school for two more years to play baseball.
Arky met and married Marilyn Anderson in 1954 in Glendive, Montana where he was working for Baroid Drilling Co. Their three daughters were born in Montana before they moved to Monahans, Texas where their two sons were born. In 1967, the family moved to Midland, Texas, where Arky enjoyed coaching little league, golfing, hunting, and caring for his yard. 1975 took him to Beirut, Lebanon for a job transfer, but due to the civil unrest there, he chose not to move the family and came home after six months.
Arky was an avid golfer for over 60 years, winning countless tournament trophies, leading groups at his local clubs, and had two hole-in-ones. He didn't quit golfing until he couldn't see the ball in the air anymore, but even then was still only 2 over par. Later in retirement, he worked as a ranger at Foothills Golf Course in Denver. In retirement he also enjoyed keeping his yard in tip top shape and collecting apples from the tree in his backyard for baking apple pies. He loved being outside and spending time with family. His home was always open to family get-togethers and frequent visits from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was kind and generous, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by daughters, Laurie Twenhofel of Lakewood, CO and Sherry Smith of Austin, TX.
Survivors include his wife Marilyn Smith, his children: Deborah(Tom) Brusehaver of Eden Prarie, MN, Robert Smith of Orem, UT, Randall Smith of Townsend, MT. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
To share a memory of Charles or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles "Arky" Smith, please visit our flower store.
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