Dr. Smith

Dr. Charley R. Smith passed away peacefully on June 22, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was born September 27, 1939 to S.K. and Flo Smith. He earned a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of New Mexico and his doctorate in dental surgery from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1966. He met the love of his life Julee Watson Smith on New Years Eve 1963 and began a love affair for the ages with their wedding on August 1, 1964. They started their dream of building a family and moved to Hobbs, NM where Dr. Smith started his dental practice in 1967. He operated a successful practice and became well loved in the community for his outstanding dental abilities and his endearing personality with all of his patients. In 1981, he retired from dentistry and took over the reins as Chairman of Watson Truck & Supply. In his words, at that time Watson Truck was a "family business without a family". This was due to his father- in-law Finn Watson having a son John Watson who passed away at an early age. Finn Watson's dream of perpetuating the family business would have ended without Charley's commitment to family. He continued this portion of the journey of his life expanding and growing Watson Truck & Supply until his retirement in 2013. After his second "retirement" he began operating a real estate business to continue his lifelong passion of continual learning, expanding his circle of friends and ALWAYS trying to leave any endeavor better off than before he got involved. This thirst for knowledge continued all the days of his life. Those fortunate enough to know him as a business partner will always treasure his integrity, attention to detail and the fact that if he told you he was going to do something there was never a doubt.

Dr. Smith served the community of Hobbs with all of his passion and attention to detail that he was known for. These roles included service on the Hobbs School Board, The Economic Development Corporation, The Lea County Event Center Project and in numerous capacities at his church. In addition to his local civic activities he was elected in 2004 to be head of the National Automobile Dealer's Association. Traveling the world with Julee and meeting so many wonderful friends is a wonderful memory. Dr. Smith also served on the New Mexico Board of Dentistry for 7 years.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Julee Watson Smith, brother Joe Smith and his wife Charlotte of El Paso, daughter Hillary Smith of Albuquerque, NM, daughter Jennifer Carriger and her husband Darrell of Midland, Texas, son R. Finn Smith and his wife Paula of Hobbs, NM, and son Scott Smith and wife Carrie of Prosper, Texas. He is also survived by his 13 dearest grandchildren that brought him so much joy. Surviving lifelong friends and family will deeply miss the joy he brought to their lives but will be forever grateful for the memories of this incredible man. God Bless you my love, my father, my Papa Charley and my dear friend.

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