Charles Smelley

Charlie Lee Smelley, 86, Stephenson, passed away May 1st, 2014 with his wife by his side after an unexpected lengthy stay at the Nevada State Veteran’s home in Boulder City, Nevada. Charlie was born on Feb. 21, 1928 in Diboll, Texas to the late Vonnie and John C. Smelley.

Charlie proudly served his country in the United States Navy in Guam in WWII.

He attended Texas A&M University and was proud to be a Fighting Texas Aggie.

On Dec. 31, 1959 he married Katherine Koch in Houston, Tx. Charlie worked for Fluor Corporation for 37 years in Houston, Texas and Calgary, Alberta Canada as a piping engineer before retiring and then worked for Marinette Marine Corporation, a ship building corporation for Navy ships. Charlie is survived by his wife, Kathy Smelley of Las Vegas, and his children, Mike Smelley of Houston, Tx., Michelle McMahan of Houston, Tx., Donna (Jim) Raboin of Daggett, MI, grandchildren Mikey (Jose), Bryan (Slick) , Sara (Pillsbury), Katie (Charlie’s Angel), Kristi (Ivory), Kyle (Roadster), great grand-daughters April and Kelsey and cousin Imogene,from California , which is teh daughter of his mother's twin sister.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, in laws, brothers: Jesse and Junior Smelley, granddaughter Stephanie (Suzie Q) Smelley and son-n-law Bert McMahan.

He will always be remembered for his southern drawl, love for his grandkids (as he only called them by the nickname he gave them) and his best buddy Rufus (Coon Dog). Everyone that met Charlie loved his charming personality and sense of humor, he was loved by all. Charlie had many hobbies throughout the years: rebuilding cars, sail-boating, remote controlled airplanes, his trains, golfing, but most of all spending time with his family and attending his grandkids sporting events and cheering them on.

Memorial service to be held at Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada on Tuesday, May 6th, 2014 at 10:40am.