Charles Raymond Smith (who often went by Charlie or Skip), a former president of the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute (DLI) and long-time owner of Village Square Cleaners in Reston, VA, passed away on Sept. 4.
He was a native and lifelong resident of the Washington, DC, area, and he later retired to Palm Harbor, FL, along with his wife, Carol.
Charles was born on Nov. 12, 1943, and was a member of the first graduating class of Bishop O’Connell High School. He went on to build his drycleaning operation and became a well-known businessman and active member of the Reston community who dedicated his time to numerous civic and professional organizations.
He served in leadership roles with the Reston Board of Commerce and Reston youth baseball, and was involved with Fairfax County Crime Solvers, HSA, and Reston’s RIBS transportation program.
For all that he accomplished professionally, those who knew him best will remember Charlie as the life of the party and a true socialite. He loved meeting people, telling stories, laughing, and having a good time. In his younger days, he even served as a judge for the Miss Virginia pageant, just one of the many stories that reflected the colorful life he lived.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Carol Smith; his children, Kevin Smith and Carrie Dufresne; and his four beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Kelly Dufresne and Jordan and Charlie Smith.