Charles E. Smith, 87, of Vero Beach, died Sunday, August 23, 2015, following a brief illness.

Charles was born March 14, 1928, in Baltimore, MD, to Bernice Smith (Schneeberger) and Charles E. Smith, Sr. In 1947 he married Mary Ellen Frey and remained married to her for 68 years until her death June 30, 2015. The couple lived in Baltimore for many years, then moved to Fenwick Island, DE. They relocated to Vero Beach, FL, in 1986.

During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a gunner on a torpedo plane. During the Korean War, he reenlisted and served as an MP in the U.S. Army. After the war, he joined the Baltimore City Fire Department and rose to the rank of Deputy Chief, from which he retired.

He is survived by a daughter, Jean Jones Weston (Edward) of Ocala, FL; a sister, Dorothy Lopez (Bart) of Parkville, MD; three grandchildren, Jessica Natterer (Nate) of Summerlin, NEV; Jennifer Gruber (Josh) of Orlando, FL; Harry "Trey" Jones III of Jacksonville, FL.; great-granddaughter Audrey Natterer; and several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews. A brother, Robert Smith (Betty), preceded him in death.

A private family service will be scheduled. Interment will be at the South Florida National Cemetery, Wellington, FL.