Dr. Charles Roy “Pork” Smith
Dr. Charles Roy “Pork” Smith
Dr. Charles Roy “Pork” Smith, 76, of Cross Lanes, WV, husband of 18 years to Rondia Smith, passed away suddenly due to an aneurysm after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Sistersville, WV, on January 26, 1941, he was the son of the late Margaret “Muggs” Holmes Linger. He graduated from Paden City High School in 1958 where he excelled at football. Immediately after graduation he served three years in the U.S. Army. Upon honorable discharge, he worked at Mobay Chemical Plant.
He then attended Salem College where he played defensive tackle on the football team for three years and earned a B.S. degree in Physical Education and Industrial Arts. His first teaching position was at Rutland High School, Rutland, OH where he taught Industrial Arts. He then went to Sistersville High School and taught Industrial Arts and was the Coach of the football team. Later, he became the Principal of Tyler County High School.
Charles graduated and taught at Eastern Kentucky University in 1971 where he earned a M.A. degree in Industrial Technology. He became the Assistant Superintendent of schools in Elizabeth, WV. He then moved on to become the Principal of St. Marys High School, leading it to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.
He earned his Ph.D. in Education from West Virginia University in 1987 and became the Curriculum Director for Wetzel County Schools followed by the Superintendent of Schools in Roane County.
His last position was Superintendent of Schools for Pendleton County. Upon retirement, he obtained a federal position with the Appalachian Education Laboratory for several years. He then retired again and moved back to Pendleton County to live in the log cabin he built. He and his wife enjoyed living there for many years.
He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Rondia Smith, daughters Stephanie Barnard (Blake) of Apache Junction, AZ and Charla Smith (Dustin Atkinson) of Parkersburg, and their beloved mother, Priscilla Offenberger, sister Janie Benefiel of New Martinsville, sister-in-law Donna Statts of Parkersburg, mother-in-law Gloria Parker of Cross Lanes, brother-in laws Mark (Darlene) Parker of Roanoke, VA and Ronald “Charlie Brown” (Rhonda) of Cotton Valley, LA, his grandchildren Walter J. Kubala III and Michael Malhotra of Parkersburg and many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Holmes Linger, sisters Charlotte R. Blake, who was his twin, Virginia Emerick, his cousin Carl Clegg and father-in-law, Ronald F. Parker.
A special thanks goes to Brian Taylor of Cross Lanes for being such a wonderful caregiver to Charles.
Funeral services will be 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Ingram Funeral Home, St. Marys with Pastor Jarrold Lanham officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m.. Thursday at the funeral home. An online guest register is available at www.ingramfh.com