Charles Thomas Smith, 92, of Rockingham, Va., passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at his home after a short illness.

Mr. Smith was born May 6, 1932, in Virginia and was the son of the late Hirman and Mabel Hulvey Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janie Ettinger Smith; two sons, Thomas R. Smith and Robert M. Smith, as well as a sister, Janet Smith Grimsley.

Charles served two years with the United States Army. He was employed at Dupont for a number of years, later retiring from Merck Co. in Elkton as a chemical operator.

He spent his retirement years at home, often commenting that he “never got very far” – having been born in the same place where he lived, and died. Those who knew him well understood that he had gotten very far indeed – not, perhaps, in terms of formal education, but very much so in terms of his common sense, the humor that he maintained until the very end, and the love that he had for his farm, his pets, and his community. He collected oil lamps and train memorabilia; he organized his coin collection; and he spoiled his cat, “Rascal”, who survives him. He was committed to the historic preservation of his farm property, which is an important portion of the Cross Keys Civil War Battlefield, and which had been in his family for over 100 years. He partnered with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation to ensure that it would never be developed. His memory will be a blessing to his friends and caregivers.

A graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m., Monday, December 9, 2024, at Cross Keys Cemetery, with the Rev. Dr. Fred Miller officiating.

Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Smith from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.