Charles "Bubba" Smith

     Charles L. “Bubba” Smith, 74, passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2019 after a yearlong battle with cancer, at his home in Bluffton, surrounded by much of his family. 

     He was born in Ft. Payne, AL on October 6,1944 and was brought to the Low Country of South Carolina by his parents Charles W. “Bill” and June Gillikin Smith.  He grew up with his two younger siblings in Hardeeville, Hilton Head, Bluffton and Pinckney Island.

     Bubba attended Carlisle Military School in Bamberg, SC where he made many dear, life - long friends.  After graduating in 1963 he began a career in law enforcement service with Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.  He was instrumental in many notable narcotic arrests, often working undercover with federal and international law enforcement agencies.  He retired in 2010 after 25 years as magistrate for Beaufort County, and was currently serving as municipal judge of Yemassee Township. After retiring he continued with his lifelong entrepreneurial pursuits in shrimping, logging, barge services, heavy construction and trucking with his son Charlie.  Bubba loved the Low Country and enjoyed being on the water and in the woods.  He loved people, and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

     He is survived by his wife, Rosalind; his children, June Bess, Coulleen Wise (Chuck), Charles H. Smith, Arthur E. Smith, and Tracie Armstrong; twelve grandchildren; one great-grand daughter; his siblings, Alice Boyd (Frank) and Randy W. Smith (Vivian); one niece, Christy Boyd; and two nephews, Bill and Nathan Smith

     A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Vaigneur Funeral Home, 6802 Tillman Road, Ridgeland, SC.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Maye River Baptist Church Cemetery, 3507 Okatie Highway, Bluffton, SC.

     Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK  73123.

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