Charles Frank Smith

Charles "Charlie" Frank Smith passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 19, 2025 at 8:30 am surrounded by family in his home in Ridgecrest CA. He was 87. He died of a broken heart as he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Nita, in December 2023.

On February 22, 1938, Charlie began his life in New Castle IN as Floyd and Grace Smith's youngest of four children. His family moved to CA when he was young. Charlie attended elementary through high school in China Lake and Ridgecrest and graduated from Burroughs High School in 1956. He joined the Air Force that same year where he trained as a Weapons Mechanic and served until 1960 when he was honorably discharged.

1962 was a big year. Charlie met the love of his life, Nita Faye Gordon, and the two quickly realized they were in love and married. They started a family that same year and began building a foundation of love for many generations of Smiths to come. Charlie also started that year in the Apprenticeship program as a Machinist at then-named Naval Ordnance Test Station at China Lake. He continued to hone his craft until retirement in 2002.

Charlie had a passion for and innate understanding of anything mechanical. In his 20's, he drove Corvettes and raced motorcycles. He completed his first motor rebuild on a Fiat, using a chain hoist from a tree in the front yard and purchasing all the parts out of a Sears & Roebucks catalog. Over the decades, he rebuilt many engines, balancing and blueprinting beyond original tolerances. He designed and built a go-kart for his kids and could repair anything.

In Charlie's work on the Naval base, he designed and manufactured many parts for missiles that were patented by the government. He could transform engineers' ideas into intricate functioning prototype hardware. In a letter of commendation, his unique mechanical and structural visualization capabilities and unparalleled machining skills were credited as an integral part of a successful missile development program.

Acts of Service was Charlie's love language. He was consistently doing or helping, from maintaining the house, assisting with moves, giving rides to work, helping remodel, or just manicuring his yard to be the envy of the neighborhood. Charlie always made himself available to his family and others.

More than the satisfaction of a job well done, Charlie enjoyed spending time with his wife. He had a calm demeanor and was never quick to anger. He was the first to say he was proud of one of his kids' accomplishments. Charlie modeled quality and precision in all things he did. He left behind great memories and a legacy of diligence and generosity. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his loving wife, Charlie was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmie Smith of Ridgecrest; sister, Halcyon Arevalo of Ridgecrest; sister, Mary Drinkard of Brea CA; eldest daughter, Shirley Becker of Ridgecrest; grandson, Aaron Dibble of Ridgecrest; and great-grandson, David Dame of Spokane WA.

Charlie is survived by his children Bill (Gwen) Smith of Emmett ID, Debbie (Mike) Dibble of Ridgecrest, and Charlie (Ruthie) Smith of San Diego; 12 grandchildren, Jaime Young, Billy White, Crystal Carpenter, Michael Pate, Nichole Wilson, Evan Smith, Alyssa Smith, Allen Dibble, Kari Dibble, Kristi Dibble, Cooper Smith, and Beckett Smith; 25 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be officiated by Tara Packer at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at The Lighthouse, followed by burial and a reception. Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 pm, Friday, April 11, 2025, at Holland and Lyons Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, consider bringing non-perishables to The Lighthouse to stock their food pantry for those in need.