Charles Gene Smiley

Charles Gene Smiley,78, passed from this life on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at The Springs Skilled Nursing Facility in Muskogee, Oklahoma, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on January 20, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Jesse L Smiley and Frances Emma Rogers Smiley.

Charles was raised in Tulsa and attended Tulsa Public Schools. In July of 1971, he married the love of his life, Nancey Elizabeth Weldon. They loved each other dearly and built a wonderful life together filled with family, hard work, and simple joys.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army, a commitment that reflected his strong sense of duty and character. Throughout his life, he was truly a jack of all trades, and there was very little he could not fix or do. He was also quite the welder and took great pride in working with his hands.

An avid woodworker, Charles enjoyed creating wooden bowls and other unique handcrafted items. He loved fishing, working on his truck, and driving fast in his beloved 1971 Ford Ranger. In the kitchen, Charles was known for making the best hot chocolate and cookies, especially the ones he thought were messed up, which his family believed were the very best. He also enjoyed baking homemade bread and molasses muffins, filling his home with warmth and comfort.

Above all else, Charles loved his family deeply. His children and grandchildren were the greatest joy of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Frances Smiley, his beloved wife Nancey Smiley, and his son Kevin Weldon.

Those left to cherish the fond memories of his life include his children, Sherri Silkey of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kathy Molzahn of Wagoner, Oklahoma, Melody Collier of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Danny Smiley and wife Toni of Vinita, Oklahoma, and Becky Lewman and husband Chad of Wagoner, Oklahoma along with his grandchildren, Amber, Danielle, Nicole, Jacob, Bryce, Evan, Skyler, Aleah, Tiger, Kerri, Kodi, and Blake; numerous great-grandchildren; his sister, Jessie Weldon and her companion, Dewayne Blagg of Wagoner, Oklahoma; along with extended family and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Charles Gene Smiley will be remembered for his generous heart, his hardworking spirit, his many talents, and the deep love he poured into his family. His memory will be treasured always. He was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to his care team, Good Shepherd Hospice, for the exceptional care and compassion shown to him.

The Memorial Service honoring the life of Charles Smiley will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory.  The United States Army Funeral Honors Team will provide military honors.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. stjude.org/memorial

The family of Charles Smiley has entrusted his care and cremation to Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory, 417 East Cherokee Street, Wagoner, Oklahoma, 74467. 918-485-2911