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Charles D. Smith

Charles D. Smith died Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after an extended illness, surrounded by family. He would have celebrated his 91st birthday on July 23rd.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the Glover Funeral Home chapel in Dothan with Rev. Billy Rich officiating. Jonathan Woodham will provide the music. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery.

Born on July 23, 1935, to Homer A. and Lena Spivey Smith, Charles grew up in Slocomb, Alabama, his childhood overshadowed by the great depression and World War ll. He began working in his teens, delivering auto parts, which would lead to a lifelong career in the automotive industry.

Charles married the love of his life, Jeanette Johnson, in 1955 and they settled in Dothan, Alabama, where Charles began working for Taylor Auto Parts. In the late 60’s he opened Smitty’s Auto Service which he owned and operated until he returned to the auto parts business as general manager of United Auto Parts until his retirement.

Throughout his life Charles was an avid and well-respected drag racer and builder. Charles and family spent innumerable weekends at racetracks throughout the Southeast competing in different racing classes. One of the crowning achievements of his racing career was when he set an International Hot Rod Association class record in Daytona, Florida, that stood for many years. His accomplishments later got him inducted into the Drag Racers Hall of Fame. Throughout his racing career, Charles’ family was always with him at the track. Crew members often included his son, nephews, family members and close friends. A later move into competitive go-cart racing allowed Charles to team with his son Russell as driver. Their success led to a second career for Charles as an engine builder for racing carts and junior dragsters.

Charles was a devoted Christian. He loved the Lord and was a dedicated member of Southside Baptist Church for over 50 years, where he served as usher for many of those years. He also served honorably in the Alabama Air National Guard.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Lena Smith: his brothers, Howard, Johnny Frank, Homer J., and James; and his sisters, Betty Griffin, Rose Black, and Dottie Williams. Great-Grandson, Maverick Laramore.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jeanette Johnson Smith; his daughter, Renee (Paul) Woodham; his son, Russell (Shelley) Smith; his granddaughters, Meghan Woodham, Auburn, Alabama, and Morgan (Dewayne) Laramore; his grandson, Cash Smith; and his great-grandsons, Mason and Milo Laramore. Charles also leaves behind his brother Max (Sandra) Smith; his sister, Joyce Helen Grimmer; and special sister-in-law Lenore Smith, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be David Capps, Mace Kirkland, Kenneth Enfinger, Jon Smith, Joe Smith and Jay Haisten. Flowers will be accepted but donations are preferred and can be made to Southside Baptist Church, 423 E Cottonwood Rd, Dothan, AL 36301.

The family would like to express great appreciation to all of Charles’ caregivers: private sitters Vanita Newman and Mandela McClendon; the staff of Enhabit Hospice, especially Taylor Perkins; and the staff of Courtyard Rehabilitation, especially our special nurses Keisha and Marilyn.