Bobby Simmons #11 Page 2
Charlie taught me very early never to let the wrestlers make a fool out of you. If a guy can't get his own heat, a referee should never have to get it for them. This will sound like sour grapes and I don't mean it that way but the wrestlers make better money than the ref's in most cases so they should work and get their own heat.
Charlie Smith is a real friend. We talk almost everyday that goes by. Our families go out and eat together, We go to reunions together and we still after all these years like each other. My wife has known Charlie since she was eleven years old. The thing she remembers about him is he was always nice to people. He treated them with respect and did not talk down to the fans. Charlie is loud and funny and not afraid of anything. When Rocket Monroe first came to Georgia, he and Flash were living in Macon. One Thursday afternoon after taping TV, Rocket's wife prepared a meal for some of the boys. Charlie came into Rocket's apartment in his usual loud and gruff manner. Rocket's wife asked who he was. Rocket replied it was Charlie Smith, the referee. She in turn replied that if he ever grew into that mouth he would be dangerous...
Another time Charlie was refereeing in Harlan, Kentucky for Ron Fuller's promotion. The main event was Harley Race defending the NWA Title against Bob Armstrong. Harley's heat got so intense that a small riot broke out. Charlie jumped on the floor and hit this guy square in the nose. The guy never staggered but just stood there and looked at Charlie. Charlie looked the guy right in his eyes and said "The police will take care of you", and jumped back into the ring...
Charlie and his wife, Louise have been married 47 years and have three children, their spouses and a peck of grand-children, not to mention all their pets. Charlie and Louise have lived in the same house for over thirty years and they own Smith Novelty Company. I owe a lot to Charlie Smith and I am so glad he is my friend...