Charles Norman Smith

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charles Norman Smith, who departed this life on February 19, 2025, at the age of 89. He passed away peacefully at his home in Clarksville, TN, surrounded by his loving family.

Charles Norman Smith was born on March 6, 1935, in Nashua, NH to Stanley and Elsie Smith. From an early age, he displayed a keen intellect and an innate curiosity about how things worked, traits that would define his life and career. Best known by his middle name, Norman attended Northeastern University where he pursued a career in Reliability & Electrical Engineering, dedicating himself to ensuring that complex systems operated at their highest efficiency. He took great pride in his work, applying his analytical mind and problem-solving skills to every challenge he faced.

Norman proudly served in the United States Army for two years, where he was stationed in Huntsville, Alabama. During his service, he played a vital role in teaching missile defense systems, demonstrating his expertise and dedication to national defense. His time in the military was a source of pride, and he carried the discipline, knowledge, and leadership skills he gained into every aspect of his life. His colleagues respected him not only for his expertise but also for his mentorship and unwavering dedication to excellence.

Beyond his professional life, Norman was a man of many passions. Earlier in his life, Norman had a deep passion for aviation and loved to fly. Whether soaring through the skies in a small aircraft or simply watching the world unfold beneath him, his time in the air remained one of his fondest memories, and he often spoke of it with great joy and nostalgia.

Norman was also a lifelong ham radio operator, he found joy in connecting with people from around the world, always eager to learn and share knowledge. His call sign, KQ1M, was a source of pride, and he spent countless hours fine-tuning his equipment and making new connections across the airwaves. Some of his most wonderful and closest friends were found through this community. Those relationships and connections were very near and dear to his heart.

He also had a deep love for the outdoors, and nothing brought him more peace than time spent hunting, hiking and competitive shooting where he won the NH State Championship many years ago. Whether it was the quiet patience of a hunting trip or the precision of marksmanship, he found solace and fulfillment in these pursuits. Additionally, his love of travel allowed him to experience different cultures, landscapes, and people. His love for these activities was something he eagerly shared with family and friends, passing down traditions and lessons that will not be forgotten.

Above all else, Norman was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His wisdom, humor, and steady presence were the foundation of his family. He is survived by his wife, Janet Smith (DeSelle); his daughter, Stacy Burek (Smith); his son-in-law, Kevin Burek; his step-grandson, John Burek and his granddaughter, Sarah Walsh, whom he cared for deeply.

Norman is also survived by two siblings, his brother Donald Smith of Belgrade Lakes, ME and his sister Suzanne Baum (Smith) of Acton, MA, as well as many other beloved relatives and friends who will carry forward his legacy. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley Smith & Elsie Smith (Lequin) and his sister Patricia Smith.

A memorial luncheon to honor and celebrate Norman’s life will be held in New Hampshire in the Spring of 2025, details to follow. Friends and family will be invited to attend and share their memories. He will be laid to rest at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Charles Norman Smith’s memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, reflecting his lifelong patriotism to our great country.

Though he is no longer physically with us, Norman’s love, wisdom, and the many lessons he shared will live on through the countless lives he touched. May we honor his memory by embracing his passion for knowledge, his love of the outdoors, and his unwavering dedication to family and friends. He was one of those rare & kind souls that made every room brighter whenever entered.

Rest in peace, sweet Norman - You will be deeply missed but never forgotten. We will be loving you always, until we meet again.

Please visit Charles' tribute wall and share a memory with the family.