The Tribune

A MEMORIAL service for the late softball/baseball player Charles ‘Chuckie’ Smith will be held at the Road Sign Department, Garage Section of the Ministry of Works at 10am on Thursday.

The funeral service for Smith will be held at 10am Saturday at Life Changes International on Bacardi Road.

Smith, 56, died at his residence on Bernard Lane on Sunday, April 27.

In his passing, sporting icon Sharon ‘the General’ Storr shared this tribute to their deceased Budweiser Eagles/Scotiabank Wheelers softball alumni. “It is with grieving hearts and a keen sense of kinship that the Budweiser Eagles/ Scotiabank Wheelers organisation extends its condolences to the loved ones of Charles “Chuckie” Leverity Smith. We unite with the ‘softball world’ in mourning his passing.

“Chuckie’s joining our softball family was an odd union, at first he was feisty, boisterous and an incessant talker, which was unnatural to the quiet calm demeanor, all businesslike approach on the field and just get the job done mentality of our club.

“Many questioned the decision to bring him on board at the time, no issue with his physical capabilities, our management team led by Philip ‘Sparrow’ Saunders was on the proverbial hot seat. In the end, all meshed to produce more championships and moreover, the establishment of a life-long bond of friendship and cordiality amongst us all.

“Chuckie” Smith was an incredible softball player, to say the least. Unquestionably, his name will be mentioned amongst the better infielders that have graced softball in this country over time. It is believed that no one will have any difficulty with his abilities at-bat or play on the field.

“The softball diamond was his home, with him venturing into baseball from time to time, whereby he was a good player in that realm also. It is safe to say that Smith participated on the field without fear, exhibited an indomitable spirit, and was as aggressive and intimidating on the diamond as any a player that comes to mind.

“His knowledge and aptitude of the game of softball were simply remarkable, something he had no reservations in sharing. His spirit lives on.

“In a nutshell, Charles was an outgoing individual, often the centre and the life of the party. He held very strong opinions, being stubborn almost to a fault. Nevertheless, his tremendous ability to recall and to cite past incidents in great details was a gift that was greatly admired.

“Our Budweiser Eagles/Scotiabank Wheelers teammate proved the naysayers wrong, not only becoming one of the dynamic leaders and successful leading off hitter in our championship lineups, but gaining national softball team prominence as a stapled player.

“Rest on Charles “Chuckie” Leverity Smith, our beloved third baseman, an Eagle has landed. May your soul join teammates and others that predeceased you.”

Eagles/Wheelers offer respect to his wife Gwendolyn Smith, mother Elva Smith; sons Kevin and Jermaine Davis, Valentino Moss and Edwin Knowles, daughters Chakeria, Charlea Smith and Valencia Moss, sister Golean Smith, brother Ralph Smith and other relatives friends and softballers.