Graveside services for Mr. Charlie VanBuren Smith, age 81 of Ruston, LA will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 16, 2026 at Smith Family Cemetery with Pastor Hudey Beaubouef officiating. Burial will follow service under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Charlie was born August 25, 1944 in Shreveport, LA to Fannie Schanks Smith and Ernest VanBuren Smith and passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in Monroe, LA.  Charlie was full of life. He enjoyed going to Rolling Hills every day. Charlie loved going to Dirt Track Races, as this was something he and his sons did years ago. That tradition has continued with his grandson and great-grandson. Most of all, Charlie loved to spend time with his family.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Brown Smith; children: David L. Smith, Sr. and wife Tina, Stephanie White and partner Darrell Cartwright, Charlie V. Smith, Jr. and wife Belinda, Angela Strickland, Donnie Goodwin, and Katrina Due; grandchildren: Ashley and husband Tony Smith, Sr., David Smith, Jr. and wife Misti, Brittany and husband J.D. Worley, Chris Adkins and wife Brigett, Brently White, Jr. and wife Devin, Matthew White and wife Stormy, Justin Smith and wife April, Jessica Smith, Joseph Smith, Jennifer Smith, and Jackson Smith; great-grandchildren: T.J., Colton, Addison, Natalie, Trip, Emily, Kimmie, Briana, Caleb, Hayden, Grant, Nikolai, Little Brent, Harper, Sadie, and Haven; great great-grandchild, Noah Hayes; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be T.J. Smith, Colton Smith, Trip Smith, Hayden Adkins, Caleb Adkins, Joseph Smith, and Matthew White. Honorary pallbearers are David Smith, Jr., Justin Smith, and Grant Adkins.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel.  To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit: www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com