Charles D. Smith

Charles D. Smith, lovingly known as “Charlie” to all who knew him, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Charlie was a man who never met a stranger and lived his life with a warmth and generosity that touched everyone he encountered. Whether he was casting a line in a quiet stream or sharing stories with new acquaintances, Charlie had a way of making everyone feel at home. Charlie began his remarkable architectural journey more than thirty-six years ago beginning with the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville. He was a visionary in his field and has been called “A World Leader” in the master planning and design of North American Fairgrounds and International Showgrounds. Charlie was responsible for the master planning, facilities programming, and design of over 260 Fairgrounds and Showgrounds across all fifty U.S. states, seven Canadian provinces, and twenty-three countries worldwide, showcasing the breadth and impact of his life's work. A respected voice in the industry, Charlie frequently led panels and workshops on fairground planning and expo hall design at international meetings and conventions, including those of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), the Florida Federation of Fairs (FFF), the Mid-West Fairs Association (MWFA), the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs (RMAF), and the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC), which spans twenty-four countries. He holds the unique distinction of being the only architect ever elected to serve on the boards of IAFE and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA). He was also a proud member of Leadership Knoxville in 1996. Outside of his distinguished professional life, Charlie found his greatest joy in nature, particularly in fishing. He was a passionate angler who found solace and connection on the water. One of his proudest personal commitments was his involvement in Project Healing Waters, where he helped veterans experience the therapeutic power of fly fishing. Charlie is survived by his loving wife of over 42 years, Marie, his children David Smith, Christina Smith, Amelia Kaylor (husband Chris), and Bryant Smith (wife Hannah), his brother Tommy Smith, and his cherished grandchildren: Jackson, Parker, Hudson, and Tucker Kaylor. In accordance with his wishes, Charlie will be cremated and his ashes returned to the waters he so dearly loved—an eternal casting of the line in the places that brought him peace. Charlie Smith leaves behind a legacy of innovation, kindness, and deep devotion to family and community. He will be missed more than words can express and remembered always with admiration, affection, and love. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, April 24th at All Saints Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Project Healing Waters at www.projecthealingwaters.org/ways-to-give/.

Tributes

Charles D. Smith

March 7, 1945 - April 20, 2025