Charles Wayne Smith was born on July 31, 1958, and he passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Von Ray Smith and Joe Kay White Smith; all of his grandparents; one brother, Ronald Lee Smith; one sister, Pamela Jane Barham; and four nephews, Ronald Lee Smith Jr., Gary Wayne Smith, Justin Tyler Greenway, and Billy Ray Smith.

Charles is survived by his former wife, Jamie Olmstead Smith; two daughters, Michelle Lenay Smith and Nicole Brianna Smith; and three grandsons, Jared Michael Neff, Logan James Neff, and Matthew Oliver Dubinsky.

He is also survived by his siblings: Gaylon Joan (Bill) Musgrave, Sherry Jean Wilson, Leonard Ray Smith, Linda Kay Smith, Judith Rennia (Johnie) Greenway, and Teresa J.L. (Jeff) Van Dyke, along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Charles had a deep passion and natural talent for working on cars. He found great joy in restoring old vehicles and bringing them back to life. In his later years, he remained in his hometown, spending time with his brothers and sisters and continuing to enjoy the things he loved most.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jeremiah Greenway for his friendship and companionship, and for sharing in Charles's love of working on cars.

Funeral services for Charles Wayne Smith will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026, in the John W. German Funeral Home Chapel in Hayti, with Brother David Lewelling officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until service time.

John W. German Funeral Home of Hayti in charge of services.