Charles Marvin Smiley, Jr., 76, of Fort Myers, Florida passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023. He was born November 4, 1946, in Hackensack, New Jersey to Charles and Vivien (née Atwood) Smiley, Sr.

He started his career as a Machinist Mate in the Navy during the Vietnam War, serving proudly on the flagship USS Providence. Upon returning from Vietnam, he worked for the Borough of Oakland, NJ in the Department of Public Works, working his way to Superintendent, even serving as a Memorial Day Grand Marshall. Ultimately, Chuck was appointed the Business Administrator where he would work until he retired in 2008. Upon retirement Chuck and his wife Laurie, along with their grandson Dylan relocated to Fort Myers, FL from Wayne, NJ. Over 12 years, Chuck volunteered and was employed at four Lee County schools, Treeline, Tortuga, Varsity Lakes and Franklin Park. He could be found in the library or a classroom, which he loved to do. He was always quick with a joke, story of some sort, and always candy and a smile. Chuck never shied away from the spotlight and would find ways to liven up a family gathering. None of these roles were nearly as important to him as his family. Chuck was a dedicated son, brother, friend, dad, grandpa, and devoted husband. He had many names through the years including Dad, Chuckles, Charlie, Grandpa, Coach and of course Chuck. It was easy to see the love he had for Laurie. Chuck often wore his heart on his sleeve and if you ever attended a wedding or saw him with his grandkids you were sure to see him tear up. He was never short of jokes or shenanigans when he was with his family. Anyone who knew Chuck knew he was a little Goofy in the best of ways. He was never afraid to share a story, embellished perhaps, but always sincere. Chuck enjoyed being with his family above all else and looked forward to the months spent with his grandchildren through the years. Chuck loved soccer and coached and refereed throughout his children's years playing. He made sure family trips to Disney always included scooter rides, pool time, and meals with the characters that he could add magic to for his grandkids. He was never one to pass up an intense game of dominoes, a breakfast sandwich of taylor ham, egg and cheese on a hard roll at a Jersey dinner, pool time with his grandkids or dressing up as Santa or the Easter Bunny. His larger-than-life personality will be missed yet will live on through the legacy he built. He was loved by many.

Charles is survived by his wife Laurie ( née Biggs) , his children Charles Marvin Smiley III (Cathi Wilson) of Jamestown NY, Adrian Skinner of Glenville, NY, Alexis Richardson (Bill) of Cheyenne, WY, Lauren (LJ) Pocsi (Tyler Wells) of Delray Beach, FL, Rich Pocsi (Jeanna) of Wayne, NJ. Grandchildren Chris Eastmead, Dylan Burlum, Charles Platte, Riley and Garrett Skinner, JJ, Evan, and Zane Pocsi. Brother James Smiley (Sandra) of CA, half-sisters Mary Parsons, and Lois Miller (George) of WV. Sister-in-law Lynne Schweighardt (Lou) of NJ, brothers-in-law Larry Biggs (Shannan Waddell) of FL and Raymond Biggs (Tammy) of NJ. Countless cousins, nieces and nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Rebecca Smiley, his parents Charles and Viven Smiley Sr, his in-laws Larry and Anita Biggs, and his half-brother Charles Marvin (Zip) Smiley Jr.

In lieu of flowers and because of his love of reading to all students, memorial contributions in memory of Charles Marvin Smiley, Jr. are suggested to https://clifonline.org/ Children's Literacy Foundation.

Celebration of Life services will be 6:15 PM on August 22, 2023 at Safe Harbor Reformed Church, Fort Myers and September 24, 2023 in New Jersey (NJ details to follow). Final interment will be Arlington National Cemetery.

Baldwin Brothers, Fort Myers, FL is entrusted with final care.