Charles Michael Kmiecik

Charles Michael Kmiecik, cherished husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, age 73, of College Station passed away on December 21, 2025. Charles was born on November 18, 1952 in Houston, TX to Philip and Verna (nee Benkoski) Kmiecik, originally of Anderson, Houston, and New Waverly, TX. Charles attended Catholic schools in Houston, graduated from St. Pius X High School, where he distinguished himself through his active involvement in athletics.

Afterward, he enrolled at Texas A&M University, where he became a proud member of the Corps of Cadets, Squadron 1. Throughout his academic journey, he earned a BBA in Marketing, BS in Education and Masters in Education.

After graduation, Charles enjoyed a highly successful career in the sporting goods industry. He began with Oshman’s Sporting Goods, starting in sales and progressing to buyer positions. Then, he joined Academy Sporting Goods as a buyer, eventually rising to the Director overseeing the “hard-lines” division of all non-apparel products.

In his professional journey, Charles traveled extensively throughout the world, leveraging his global perspective to hone his expertise in marketing. He was widely admired for his sharp negotiation skills, infectious sense of humor, and captivating storytelling.

After retirement, Charles relocated to College Station, TX where he dedicated himself to supporting the next generation of students. He played a key role in securing funding for several scholarships for members of his beloved Squadron 1, and also helped establish scholarships in memory of his high school athletics coaches.

Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Charles maintained his deep passion for travel in retirement, often exploring new destinations with his family. His love of family also led him to extensive genealogical research, bringing him to small villages in Poland to trace his paternal lineage with the help of an interpreter. Besides his passion for sports – especially Aggie football – Charles found great joy in fishing and hunting, with a particular fondness for time spent on the family ranch in New Waverly, TX.

Charles met the love of his life, Deborah (“Debbie”) Ann Grace, when she applied for a position at the store he was managing. Their connection was instant, and they were married in 1982, and remained inseparable until Debbie’s death in 2015. Their pride and joy was their son, Philip Barry, who distinguished himself with a successful career in law enforcement before his untimely passing in 2018. Charles was a devout Catholic and faithful member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in College Station, having previously been a long-time parishioner of Church of the Epiphany in Katy. His unwavering faith served as a steadfast guide, providing strength and wisdom through life’s challenges and difficult decisions.

He is survived by his sister, Dolores Kmiecik-Graham of College Station TX; his brothers-in-law, Jerry Grace (wife Sharon) of Willis TX, and Mark Grace of Shepherd TX; his niece, Julia Graham Wang (husband Andrew) of Irvine CA and his nephew, James Graham (wife Jessica) of Falls Church VA. He adored his great-nieces, Audrey, Riley, and Emma. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Verna Kmiecik; by his wife, Deborah Grace Kmiecik; by his son, Philip Barry Kmiecik; by his brother, Philip Lawrence Kmiecik; his brother-in-law, Robert William Graham, Jr.; his wife’s parents, Barry & Cynthia Grace and his sister-in-law, Carolyn Grace. Charles will also be greatly missed by many cousins and friends, particularly his lifelong friends from St. Pius X High School and the Texas A&M Class of 1974 Squadron 1.

The family respectfully requests no flowers. In honor of his memory and celebration of his life, please direct donations to:

The Association of Former Students

Attn: Erin Stilley

505 George Bush Drive

College Station, TX 77840

Add note “Charles M. Kmiecik ’74 Endowed Ring Scholarship”.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM on January 24, 2026 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, College Station to be followed by a rosary recitation and a funeral Mass. Internment will follow at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Cemetery, Anderson TX. A light lunch in the parish hall will follow the burial.