Charles G. Smithson's Obituary
Charles George Smithson went home to be with his Lord early Thanksgiving morning, November 22, 2018. Charlie was known and loved by many in Pacifica, and his quick wit and friendly smile will forever be remembered with fondness. He was a man of faith, family, and friendship who was a model of integrity and a lifelong adventurer.Charlie was born in Stamford, Connecticut on July 12, 1944, his family soon moving to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He graduated from Griffith High School, and North Carolina State University, where he earned a B.S. in Recreation Administration.He then enlisted in the Army and served for 3 years, including one year in Vietnam with the US Army Corps of Engineers. He served as a 1st Lieutenant working for USAID in water purification and distribution systems for local villages.In 1963, while working at Queen Lake Camp, Massachusetts, Charlie met a California girl named Ginny MacKirdy, who became his wife five years later. Charlie and Ginny moved to Pacifica in 1972 and raised their family surfing, hiking and playing sports.He worked for 30 years as a Recreation Supervisor for Daly City Parks and Recreation. In the Pacifica community, he coached many of his children’s sports teams, and in retirement, served as a PE teacher and coach for Alma Heights Christian School. He also was a longtime deacon for Sea View Baptist Church and coordinator of the card distributions for Gideon’s International.Charlie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ginny Smithson; four children, Scott Smithson (Dawn), Julie Otero (Dennis), James Smithson, and Chris Smithson (Tori); and six grandchildren, Selva, Evan, Taylor, Daniel, Michael and Levi. He is also survived by two brothers William A. Smithson and Paul C. Smithson. Preceding him in death are son, Michael Charles Smithson, and parents, William Chace Smithson and Maria Hundley Sellars.A memorial service celebrating the life of Charlie Smithson will be held 11:00, January 5, 2019 at Sea View Baptist Church, Pacifica. The reception follows at Pacific Bay Christian (Alma Heights). You may send donations in Charlie’s honor to The Gideon’s Int. or Sea View Baptist Church.
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