Comments
Speakslinux OP t1_istjhb9 wrote
I'll miss this guy. Was a very wonderful man and a champion of the Constitution and Amendements.
For those that don't know he was a huge 1st and 2nd amendment proponent. Loaned his cannons to Long's Park for their annual fireworks and was well involved in the community. Very humble and down to earth.
Eisernes t1_istmbph wrote
I used to live around the corner from the pharmacy. Real nice guy. I'm pretty sure I went to elementary school or middle school with Allison.
Speakslinux OP t1_istn98g wrote
I had the opportunity to speak to Charlie on numberous occassions inside and outside the pharmacy.
Fun Fact that most people don't know: He is a registered gun dealer that actually sells firearms out of the back of the pharmacy.
Also a fact: Charlie Smithgall actually shot the intruders that tried to rob him and the store in a armed robbery. He struck one several times. This was back in October 2018, so he would have been 73 at the time he did that.
Fiotuz t1_iswuw9k wrote
My mom actually liked this guy as Mayor, and she hates all politics and politicians.
He used to live a few blocks from us, would go to community events and talk to everyone. Lancaster has gone downhill a lot since he decided to not run for mayor.
Hopefully one day Lancaster will get a Mayor who either returns calls or emails again.
princeoinkins t1_isu4784 wrote
I wonder if the pharmacy and gun store will stay open?
Speakslinux OP t1_isuu6tm wrote
His daughter Allison has been running the pharmacy and gun store for a few years now while Charlie "semi retired" so my gut feeling is yes both the pharmacy and gun store will remain open. She is also a pharmacist.
Very nice and humble family. I've seen them reach out and give thousands of dollars to those in need and never asked for acknowledgement. There are many families that have enjoyed their helping hands without question.
Charlie sure had his share of opponents on what he believed in, but as the mayor of Lancaster he really cared about the people and the city. He succeeded in many areas and definitely wasn't out for the popular vote.
princeoinkins t1_isuuoio wrote
Ok, I haven’t been in either for a good bit so I wasn’t sure. I assumed he still had a hand in it somewhat (never struck me as the type to ever full on “retire”) so I wasn’t sure. Thanks!
fenuxjde t1_ists9it wrote
I got to meet him at a business lunch back when I was in college. Seemed like a pretty cool guy. I think he helped to make Lancaster what it is now, a city that keeps being ranked on all kinds of national best lists, including recently the best small city in America.