CHARLES E. “GENE” SMITH, JR., 91, of Weirton, WV, passed away Monday, October 7, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital, Weirton. He was born January 9, 1933 in Weirton, son of the late Charles E. Smith, Sr. and Esther Bowers Smith. He is also preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Arlene L. Hoke Smith (2021); son, David E. Smith, Sr.; and sisters, June Anderson and Betty Gates. Gene was a member of Colliers United Methodist Church and Methodist Men. Gene was proud to drive for P&W Bus from 1954 to 1964. He then worked as a crane operator in the blooming mill of Weirton Steel Corporation for 27 years until retirement in 1991. Gene is survived by daughters, Kimberly Lucas (John) of Weirton and Jody Pitchford (Jeff) of Martinez, GA; daughter-in-law, Anna Pavel Smith of Weirton; eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; one niece and three nephews. Visitation was held Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Steel and Wolfe Funeral Home, Weirton. Additional visitation was held Thursday, October 10, 2024 until the time of the service, at Colliers United Methodist Church, with Pastor Jim Rahr presiding. Entombment followed at Highland Hills Memorial Gardens, Follansbee. Memorial contributions may be made to Colliers United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 318 Pennsylvania Avenue, Colliers, WV 26035. Condolences may be left at www.steelandwolfe.com.