Charlie Lee Smith

Charlie Lee "Sonny" Smith, affectionately known throughout the community as a “friend’s friend,” departed this earthly life on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at his home in Okolona, Arkansas, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, children, sisters, and grandchildren. He was 67 years old.

Born on July 11, 1958, in Okolona, Arkansas, Charlie was the beloved son of Ellis Smith Sr. and Josephine Smith. From an early age, Charlie’s outgoing spirit, outspoken nature, and dangerously friendly personality made him unforgettable to all who crossed his path. He never met a stranger, and if you knew Charlie, you knew laughter was never far away.

Charlie was truly a class-act comedian. He always had a wise joke to tell, a funny story to share, or a little “junk talking,” as his family lovingly called it. Yet beneath his playful spirit was a man full of love, wisdom, and respect for others. He meant exactly what he said and said exactly what he meant. Charlie loved a good challenge and never backed down from a lively debate.

A proud graduate of Okolona High School, Class of 1977, Charlie made his mark both on and off the basketball court. He was known for a famous move that electrified the crowd and often distracted the opposing team long enough for victory to be secured. Following graduation, Charlie answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served honorably.

After returning home, Charlie dedicated 25 years of faithful service as a machine operator at Anthony Timberlands. Outside of work, he found joy in the simple blessings of life — fishing, hunting, gardening around Okolona, listening to gospel music, and especially enjoying the timeless sounds of the The Isley Brothers.

Charlie was more than a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend — he was a father figure to many. Known around the community as “the father of all,” he took countless young men under his wing, especially those who lacked the guidance of a father or had become distant from their own. His wisdom, humor, and presence shaped lives throughout the Okolona community, where he will forever remain a legend.

Charlie was a lifelong and faithful member of First Baptist Church, where he worshipped and served the Lord with gladness. He married the love of his life, Kay Hale Smith, and together they were blessed with two wonderful children, Cortez and Kelsey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis Smith Sr. and Josephine Smith; one sister, Joe May Randle; and four brothers, Robert Smith, Ellis Smith Jr., and Calvin Smith.

Charlie leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted wife of 41 years, Kay S. Smith; his beloved children, Cortez Smith (Cheyenne) of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Kelsey Smith of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; and his treasured grandchildren, Cory Smith, Amalah Barrett, Tidus Smith, Nevaeh Barrett, Mason Smith, Kaelynn Barrett, Kaius Smith, Kaylen Love and Ryan Padgett. He also leaves three loving sisters, Stella Smith of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Evelyn White and Mary Smith, both of Osceola, Arkansas; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn (Dewayne Porter) Hale, Manuel (Linda) Hale, Gretal (Archie) Thomas, and Victor Hale along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Among those who held a special place in Charlie’s heart were his close buddies Julius Marks, Stevie Williams, Henry McDaniel, Bobby Gentry, and Thomas Gulley, along with the entire Okolona community who loved and admired him dearly.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Dixon officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home.

In honor of Charlie’s valiant and victorious fight against liver cancer, family and friends are respectfully asked to wear green to the service. Pallbearers will be Adrain Meeks, Cory Hunter, Brian Hunter, Remond Thomas, Derrick Jones, and Derrick Beard. Honorable to mention are Jerry Harvell, Jackie Harvell, Shuford Day, Herbert Beard, Jason McDaniel, and Rodney Gentry.