Charles R. Siler

We celebrate the life and legacy of Charles “Chuck” Robert Siler of Saginaw, Michigan, who transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home after a short illness on February 11, 2023, with loved ones by his side.

Chuck was born January 19, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan to his loving mother, Amida (Siler) Smith, and was raised by his loving stepfather, Pastor Eugene Smith. He grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, and was the oldest of 5 children. He loved his family dearly and remained very close to his siblings throughout his life. He would regularly meet with his siblings Roy “Roy Lee” Siler, Deborah “DeeDee” Brown, Glenda “Glenner” Smith Cross, and Eugene “Man” Smith to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings, play games, and have great times. Chuck loved to go on road trips, traveling, camping, and hunting with family as well as family long drives to pick up fishing equipment or really any reason at all to be with loved ones.

Chuck graduated from Buena Vista High School, Class of 1970; he played basketball and was on the wrestling team. After graduation, Chuck went on to work for General Motors Steering Gear, Plant 6, retiring after 30 years of service. He was a member of the UAW Local 699.

Years ago, Chuck accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He enjoyed his retirement, spending time with his son, Charles “Jug” Siler, and stepdaughters, Kelly and Renee Haller, as well as any of his children’s friends who wanted to learn more about the great outdoors. He enjoyed hunting but without a doubt, his favorite pastime was fishing on many lakes. Loved ones often recall frequent conversations about his next fishing trip on his beloved bass boat and planning on who was going with him. He loved to talk about catching slabs and couldn’t wait to discover the next honey hole. Chuck would spend hours on Great Lakes of Michigan, and Canada, fishing with family and friends. He won numerous Bass tournaments over the years. He would often throw fish back or take them to smaller lakes/ponds to repopulate the fish. He also loved attending Jazz concerts and listening to smooth Jazz, reminiscing with old-time music.

There wasn’t anyone that Chuck didn’t accept and would get to know. He would drop anything at any time to help a friend or family member in need. He also had some great nicknames for those he loved like Hula Dula, Squirrely, Skeeter Pete, Scoop-a-licious, and Duke.

Chuck spent a lot of years coaching and assisting other coaches in all grades for various sports teams in Saginaw Township public and private schools. Chuck also was known to take incredible care of his vehicles. His vehicles were meticulously cared for and clean. You couldn’t find a speck of dust on the inside or outside of his vehicles.

At the end of the day, Chuck could be found laid back in his easy chair watching the game on TV or watching the news. He also loved to support his nieces and nephews at their sports events. Chuck was the proud grandfather and step-grandfather to 10 grandchildren whom he adored. He was a huge Michigan State Spartan Fan and loved to tease his son about his love for the University of Michigan Wolverines.

Chuck taught so many people the meaning of living life to the fullest and taking care of one another. He had a profound effect on many and is a great loss to his family and friends as well as to this world for being a kind and caring soul. He is forever in so many memories and his legacy will carry on through those he had an impact on. We know he will be there to greet us when our time comes and that is where we rest easy at his passing. We know he is with our Heavenly Father awaiting our arrival. In the interim, he will be fishing, likely catching the slabs he was always talking about.

Chuck was preceded in death by his mother, Amida Smith; stepfather, Eugene Smith; sister, Deborah Brown; stepdaughter, Renee Haller, and nephews, Greg Cross and Anquine Price.