In Memoriam: Chuck Smith

In Loving Memory of Charles H. “Chuck” Smith, Vice Chair Emeritus, USF Board of Trustees

Born to Alonso and Gloria Smith in Los Angeles, Charles H. “Chuck” Smith grew up in a family that instilled the values of hard work, integrity, and a commitment to service. These principles served as the foundation for a life filled with extraordinary achievements and contributions. Chuck leaves behind an enduring legacy as a pioneer in the telecommunications industry, a champion of equality, and a devoted father and grandfather.

A proud alumnus of California State University at Los Angeles, Chuck earned his bachelor’s degree in social science and pursued additional graduate coursework to further his education. In 1985, he completed a special graduate program for executives at Carnegie Mellon University.  In 2003, Chuck received a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, from Menlo College, recognizing him as a pioneering business leader in the telecommunications industry. He later received additional honorary degrees: Doctor of Humane Letters from Holy Names University in 2004 and an Honorary Doctorate from John F. Kennedy University in 2012.

Chuck’s professional journey began in 1967 when he joined AT&T as an installer. Over his 39-year career, he rose through the ranks to become President and CEO of AT&T West (formerly SBC Pacific Bell/SBC Nevada Bell). In this role, Chuck oversaw more than 50,000 employees delivering products and services to nearly 16 million customers across California and Northern Nevada.

While serving as President and CEO, he led the successful merger of AT&T Wireless with Wireline operations in California. He also directed the deployment of a fiber-optic network and Internet Protocol television (IPTV), which revolutionized telecommunications and brought innovative services to millions of customers. Earlier in his career, Chuck was credited with establishing AT&T’s state-of-the-art Network Operations Centers in Sacramento and San Diego—an accomplishment that showcased his forward-thinking vision. His innovative leadership earned him accolades, including recognition as one of the "Most Important African Americans in Technology" by US Black Engineer & Information Technology Magazine for four years. He was also named California State University Los Angeles Alumnus of the Year in 2004 and received the Los Angeles Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Award in 2007.

Beyond his professional achievements, Chuck was deeply committed to community service and education. He served on numerous boards, including the National Board of the Boy Scouts of America, the Los Angeles Urban League, the University of San Francisco Board of Trustees, Executive Technology Centers (ETC), Committee on Jobs, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, East Bay Leadership Foundation, San Francisco YMCA CEOs for Kids, and the Los Angeles YMCA Achievers Program.

An Eagle Scout, Chuck earned Scouting’s highest honors, including the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award and the Silver Buffalo Award, reflecting his lifelong dedication to mentoring youth and building stronger communities.

Chuck’s generosity extended to chairing major fundraising campaigns for organizations such as the March of Dimes, United Negro College Fund, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Convention. Passionate about advancing higher education for culturally diverse students, he was named the fourth Alfred North Whitehead Distinguished Lecturer in Lifelong Learning at the University of Redlands. Chuck also served as a member of the UC Strategic Review Panel for Educational Outreach, a past executive advisory board member for the UC Davis Graduate School of Management, a USC Ambassador, and a board member for the UC Berkeley Extension Program and Menlo College.

Additionally, he served as an executive advisor to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, corporate advisor to the Magic Johnson Foundation, and vice chair of the board for the Center for Telecommunications Management at USC. Chuck was a founder and past officer of Community NETwork, the association of African American employees at AT&T. He also played pivotal roles as a board advisor to the Los Angeles Urban League and chaired the United Negro College Fund Walk-A-Thon in Los Angeles for over a decade. He was also a member of the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Posse and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Foundation. 

While Chuck’s public life was marked by professional success and significant community impact, his greatest accomplishment was his family. During their freshman year at Cal State LA, he met the love of his life, Beryl Ventress Smith, with whom he shared a deep commitment to education, diversity, service, and above all their family. Together, they raised two children, Dr. Brian K. Smith and Courtney H. (Smith) Simmons. Chuck and Beryl took immense pride not only in Brian’s and Courtney’s accomplishments but also in the generous, driven, and kind adults they both have become. The loving family grew even further when Brian married Shannon Knight and Courtney married Matthew “Matt” Simmons, and the arrival of their three grandchildren: Samantha Smith, Madison Simmons, and Sloane Simmons. As proud as Chuck was of all that he achieved during his remarkable life, nothing brought him more happiness than being “Grampy” and spending cherished moments with his beloved granddaughters.

Charles H. “Chuck” Smith’s life serves as an inspiring example of how integrity, hard work, and dedication to others can leave a lasting legacy. Chuck shattered barriers, inspiring countless individuals along the way. Chuck will be remembered as a visionary leader, a devoted husband and father, extremely proud grandfather, an admired colleague, a supportive friend, and an inspiration to all who were fortunate to know him.