Charles Smith Green III's Obituary
Charles Smith Green, III, died on April 26, 2024, after a life dedicated to service and family. Known throughout his life as Chuck, he was born in Washington, D.C. on August 7, 1945, to Charles Smith Green II and Bernice Mae Green (née Wills), and preceded by two sisters, Delia Ann and Saundra. His passing in Martinsburg, West Virginia, came as he entered life: surrounded by the family that he treasured.
After growing up in Washington, D.C., Chuck built his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit in the Air Force. He served three years at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and a year in Vietnam as a member of the USAF Security Police. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and returned to find a nation divided over the war and those who had served in it. Then and in the decades that passed, Chuck never wavered in his pride for having served and appreciation for those who served before and after.
Chuck’s military service may have been formative, but it was in hospitality that he made his mark. He started with the Marriott Corporation in the Washington, D.C. area, before moving on to the Red Barn, White Flint Eatery, and Family Fish House, where he met his future wife, Grace. It was an introduction both auspicious and inauspicious, as the waitress (Grace) spun into the manager (Chuck), sending an entire tray of plates off crashing and clattering.
They both recovered, and Chuck’s career in the industry carried on, with highlights including his recruitment to run Red Hot & Blue in Gaithersburg and his co-founding of Capital City Entertainment, which opened Old Town Alexandria’s Crescent City and Fleetwood’s–the latter of which was known for creative food, excellent sound, and so capturing the mid-1990s zeitgeist as to prompt a Washington Post critic’s line, “Fleetwood’s is where old ponytails go to die.”
After retirement from the restaurant industry, Chuck established a small business that focused on providing transportation to clients across the region. Throughout his entire career, he was known for his commitment to excellence, mentoring colleagues, and building connections with those around him.
Chuck and the former Grace Baier shared 42 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. They raised four children: Gracie, Jonathan, Mary, and Rebecca, with Chuck always there to offer them guidance, love, and encouragement. He was the proud grandfather of Mackenzie, Allie, Matthew, Luke, and Audrey.
Chuck had a huge heart. Beneath a tough exterior hid a remarkably sensitive personality. His voice was radio-smooth but would crack at the first hint of nostalgia. Frequent sighs of exasperation balanced a deep abiding affection for those prompting the sighs. Through it all, Chuck never wavered in his dedication to his family, friends, and country; he was there for anyone, anytime, for any need.
Family, friends, and all who knew Chuck are invited to honor his memory at the services to be held on Friday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Parish & Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Barnesville, MD.
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