Charles Schmidly

Charles Herman Schmidly (December 22, 1941 – September 4, 2025) died peacefully in his home with his wife of 64 years, Janet “Suzie” Schmidly, by his side. Charles and Suzie were church youth group sweethearts, sharing a close family friendship that traced back to their days growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Married at 19 years old, they set off on an adventure of a lifetime, which led them to live, work, raise a family, and volunteer in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where Charles became an Arkansas Razorback for life.

Charles answered to many names throughout his lifetime, including Chuck, Charlie, Coach Schmidly, and his most cherished name given by his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Poppy. Those who knew Charles knew him as a man of deep faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that faith defined him in the many hats he wore throughout his life. Charles wanted everyone to succeed and believed that everyone had the potential to be the best at what they desired. He was always cheerful, always had a smile for everyone, and would do anything to help anyone at any time.

His many accomplishments beyond his enduring marriage and raising two sons—who both married daughters-in-law he dearly loved as his own—include operating multiple entrepreneurial businesses in the transportation industry; serving as an accomplished minister of music for over 40 years, encompassing roles as church pianist, choir director, and soloist; directing “Camp Arkansas” every summer in Fort Smith for his grandchildren; and volunteering as a kicking coach for over 35 years at Fort Smith Southside, where both of his sons won state championships and his grandson became the starting quarterback.

Charles’s family legacy in football, especially kicking and special teams, began nearly a century ago with his father-in-law, Wayne Lewellen, who punted for Tulsa University and went on to sign with the Detroit Lions in 1938. Charles, inspired as a young man by knowing Wayne before marrying Suzie, developed a passion for kicking that led his first son to become a standout kicker at Fort Smith Southside, kicking a field goal to win the 1985 State Championship game. His journey included attending multiple national kicking camps, forming relationships with experts, and achieving state championships at Southside. This legacy continues with Charles’s grandson, Max, who now plays as a long snapper for the Razorbacks.

Charles cherished family memories, especially those created when his family gathered and a great meal was shared—food and fellowship played a big role in the many relationships he built with friends and family. This was never on display more than when he and Suzie worked tirelessly, along with Suzie’s siblings, Mike Lewellen, Sally Purdy and Mark Lewellen, to ensure a family Thanksgiving feast was held every year, gathering multiple generations and routinely included more than 40 attendees. Over many, many years, this event was his “Super Bowl,” where at times questionable turkey frying techniques led one to seek shelter. Charles loved to laugh, mostly at his own sense of humor, which often involved a play on words.

Charles is survived by his wife Janet Sue Schmidly; his sister Linda Workman; his son Shannon (Heidi), and their two children, daughter Parker (Hunter) and their children Ace and Rivi and son Graves (Hannah); Jason (Wendy), and their children Henri, Eli, Ike, and Max. The family would like to extend its gratitude to Sharon Woods for her tireless, faithful, and loving service in caring for Charles over the past four years. Thanks also go to Annette and Suni for providing the most compassionate care during his final days.

Charles requested a private funeral service and that his family gather to celebrate his life and share one of the meals he loved at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Global Advance at www.globaladvance.org or a charitable organization of your choice in his name.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com