Charles Russell Smith, 82 of Hillman, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 2, 2026. He was born in Pontiac, Michigan to Russell and Dorothy (Rossman) Smith on June 26, 1944. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served for 3 years before beginning a 37-year career with General Motors Truck and Coach. With his remarkable skills, Charles built his family’s home from the ground up. In many ways, what he spent years constructing was so much more than a home. With his own hands, he created a place where his family could comfortably gather, grow, and make memories together. He was a talented rough and finish carpenter with mechanical abilities that made it seem like he could build just about anything. Even after retiring, he rarely stayed still and ensured he kept busy. If not working around his own property, you’d find Charles helping a loved one at one of theirs. He spent time tending to his chickens, enjoying old Western movies, and playing marbles on boards he had made himself.

His proudest accomplishment was his family. He devoted his life to his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. Everything he worked on or did was in some way all for them. For 82 years, Charles provided his family a life of hard work, dedication, and countless memories. He is and will be deeply missed.

Charles is remembered by his loving wife of 55 years, Pamela (Millard); daughters, Sally (Mo) Klang, Jennifer (Mike) Yager; grandchildren, Samantha, Morgan, Charlie, and Jack; siblings, Kenneth (Sharon) Smith, Donna Felsman, David Smith, Harold Smith, Larry (Marion) Smith, Violet Smith; Gary Whitney; brothers and sisters-in-law, Randy Millard, Cindy (John) Pesta, Mark (Beth) Millard, Paul (Cindy) Millard, and Denise Millard; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Dorothy Smith; father and mother-in-law, Fred and Betty (Banks) Millard; sisters, Louise Smielewski and Barbara Whitney; brother, Roy (Geri) Smith; sister-in-law, Eileen Smith; brother-in-law, Fred Millard; and sister-in-law, Mary Millard.

Honoring Charles’ request, no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to All County Search and Rescue via their website, https://www.allcountysar.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Green Funeral Homes.