"Chad Was A Very Good Friend Of Mine....Always Teased Me About Being Older Than Him. He Was A Good Soul. Going To Miss Him...Thank You For All The Great Memories!"
In loving memory of
Chad Arthur Smalley
October 13, 1972 - June 2, 2025
Chad Arthur Smalley was born on 10/13/72 at Los Banos Memorial Hospital. He attended Charleston Elementary, Los Banos Jr. High & graduated from Los Banos HS in 1990. As a child he loved to work on cars. His passions in life were riding his Harley, fixing cars, playing pool with friends, saving animals & among the 7 Dwarves consisting of 4 cats & 3 dogs loving his favorite dog, Champ. He was an Auto Mechanic for 28 years earning Certifications from Merced College. Chad will be fondly remembered for his big heart, being a great guy & always there when you needed him. In 2012 he met the love of his life Carolyn & married in 2019. They in enjoyed trips to Santa Cruz, loving their 7 Dwarves & home cooked meals. Chad is survived by his Mother Mary Meza, Father Doug Smalley & Stepmother Barbara, his Wife Carolyn, & Grandmother Margeret Pruett as well as many aunts, Uncles & Cousins. Chad will be beyond missed by his Family & Friends.
Tributes
"It?s hard to find the words when someone who?s been part of your life for so long is suddenly gone. I?ve known Chad since I was probably 8 or 9?over 25 years, maybe more. To me, he wasn?t just a family friend?he was like an uncle. The kind of person who could make you laugh when you were at your worst, and always had a sarcastic comeback ready to keep you grounded. No matter how long it had been since we last talked, I always knew I could pick up the phone and he?d be there. Whether I needed to vent about life, family, or ask for advice?especially when it came to fixing a car?he never hesitated to answer. And of course, the conversation always started with his signature line: ?What did you break now, kid?? That was Chad. Tough love, loyal heart, and always ready with the right words?whether they were helpful or hilariously blunt. His presence was constant, even when time or distance got in the way. I?ll miss his voice, his jokes, and his way of showing up exactly when you needed him most. Rest easy, Chad. You were more than a friend. You were family."