Charles Mercer Smith

Charles ("Charlie") Mercer Smith, age 74, has gone to a better place to teach his master cabinetry making skills to others. Charlie was born on March 6, 1943 to Horace and Cora Smith in Albany, GA. After graduating high school from Mount Berry School for Boys in Rome, GA where he studied cabinet making, Charlie was offered a job in Arlington, Texas, building campers for Mobile Scout. He loved Texas and moved to Abilene in 1975 to sell cars. He soon discovered he was a much better cabinet builder than car salesman. During his lifetime, Charlie was a master cabinet builder, a master griller and a professional bargain hunter. His not-so-secret talent was being able to eat a half gallon of Blue Bell ice cream in a day. Charlie loved John Wayne and knew every word and story line to every western made. On his death bed, Charlie confessed to stealing the gumball machine from Deutschlander in 1978. Charlie is survived by his daughter, Emily Seckler of Buffalo Gap, TX, his grandson, Kane Seckler, of San Marcos, TX, two sisters, Agnes Melton of Woodbury, GA and Juanita Bishop of Gardendale, AL, and his brother, Bruce Smith of Childersburg, AL. He leaves behind many friends and unfinished cabinets. Pallbearers will be Gary McCall, Gary White, Ronnie ("Digger") Brown, Kane Seckler, Matt Bishop and Clay Smith. Visitation will be Sunday, September 3, from 5-7 PM at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, Texas. Graveside services will be Monday, September 4, at 11 AM in Buffalo Gap Cemetery with Randy White officiating. The family expresses special thanks to Abilene Regional ICU staff. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to Ben Richey Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 6839, Abilene, TX 79608; West Texas Rehab Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605; the Buffalo Gap Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 842, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508, or your favorite charity.