Charles Edward Smith Sr.

Charles Edward Smith Sr., “Grave Digger,” 75, passed away on June 30, 2026, at St. Dominic Hospital. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 10, at Stringer Family Funeral Home in Hazlehurst. The service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Stringer Family Chapel, with burial at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Hazlehurst.

Charles was born and raised in Starkville, where he grew up and graduated from Starkville High School. He later settled in Hazlehurst, where he spent many years building a life filled with hard work, dedication, and love for his family and friends.

Charles worked offshore and faithfully served his community as a gravedigger for Stringer Funeral Home for more than 45 years. He took great pride in his work and was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and willingness to help others.

Beyond his work, Charles enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time at the casino, where he could relax and share laughs with those around him. He was a man who valued life, cherished the relationships he built over the years, and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His strength, kindness, and unwavering dedication will be remembered forever by his family, friends, and community.

He was preceded in death by La Wanda Rogers (daughter), Odie and Annie Smith (parents), Willie C. Smith (brother), Mary Rogers (sister), Bobby Raye Smith (brother), Don Smith (brother), Rose Mary Roberson (sister), and Karen D. Smith (niece).

He leaves to cherish his memory Drashinda (Mark) Butler, daughter, Starkville; Charita (Evan) Coler, daughter, Hazlehurst; Jarvis Washington, son, New Orleans, Louisiana; Charles (Grace) Smith, son, Hazlehurst; Char’ Darious Smith, son, Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Jayla Coler, Chance Smith, Khloe Quin, Cayden Smith, Calaina Jackson, Ashley Rogers, Shondell Alford; great-grandchildren, Amir Rogers, Armon Rogers, Amani Gordon, and Cashton Gordon; Odie (Rosesetta) Smith, brother, Quincy, Florida; Eddie (Willie Mae) Smith, brother, Ft. Myers, Florida; Bobby Smith, brother, Starkville; Dorothy Ann Ware, sister, Pheba; Selena Jones, special friend, Hazlehurst; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.