NOT FOUND: andy smith 1.jpgC & S Television has been serving the North Highlands community and its neighbors for 50 years. Congratulations and thank you for being a faithful and stable part of our lives. In addition to this golden year for the business, owner Andy Smith celebrates his 80th birthday this month!
Andy Smith was born and raised in the Sacramento area and joined the Navy after graduating from Lincoln High School. Shirley moved from South Dakota to Rio Linda when she was four and has enjoyed living in North Highlands since she and Andy were married in 1954.
When Andy came home from his four years in the Navy (three years underwater in submarines, Andy tells me), he began working for businessman and contractor, Charlie Bell.
One hot Sacramento evening after work, Andy drove to Irv’s Drive in on El Camino, to have a coke -- something he did every day. Thumbs up to the car hop meant a 10 cent coke; thumbs down meant a 5 cent one. This was a thumbs up evening. Grabbing his coke from the car hop, Andy noticed a particularly attractive girl walk by and realized he had never seen her before. He immediately said to himself, “I’m going to marry that girl.” I don’t know if it was the thought or the girl that caused him to spill the entire soda in his lap, but Andy quickly tried to clean up the mess so he could get out of the car to meet his future wife. As he rushed to find her, she was gone.
A couple of months later Andy went with some friends to a basketball game at Grant High School and who should walk by but “the girl from Irv’s”. “That’s her!” Andy jumped out of his chair and said, “I want to know you.” Her response was, “Oh, no you don’t.”
A few years of dating, 55 years of marriage and four children later, Andy and Shirley Smith look as happy as newlyweds. In fact, as Andy tells their story, Shirley looks on and listens with a delightful respect and admiration as he speaks. As she turns to answer the phone, Andy tells me what a great woman Shirley is, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard her say anything bad about anyone – ever. That’s why she deals with the customers on the phone – not me. She gives better than excellent service”
Andy and Shirley definitely make a good team. Anyone who has worked together in business and marriage for over half a century has got to have something special. They both have helped develop a stellar reputation by combining their knowledge, excellent customer service, strong work ethic and genuine love of people.
NOT FOUND: andy smith 2.jpgAndy has remained current with technology by taking classes and doing much of the work himself. He has come a long way since the first television he worked on – a 12”, black and white Muntz. Andy built this TV from a kit while on a submarine and the first show he watched was Howdy Doody. Now there’s a blast from the past. He and his fellow “swabbies” were hoping to watch the Yankee baseball game.
“All four of the children and some of the grandchildren have worked at the shop,” informs Shirley. Andy chimed in, “They’re all in prison now.” I didn’t know quite how to comment, until he smiled and said, “Working!” It is evident that the Smiths are very proud of their children and how well they are all doing. All live close by with their families – to the grandparents’ delight.
When I asked what his favorite aspect of the business is, Andy answered, “Working with the people. People invite me in and share their life stories with me. I wish I would have brought a video recorder for some great stories.”
Even though Andy had a five way bypass fifteen years ago, there seems to be no stopping him from working hard and being involved in his community. He has been involved in the Chamber of Commerce since 1958 and is the only charter member, with 50 years of perfect attendance. Andy had stories about the Rotary Club, the Thursday Lunch Bunch and more. Shirley was eager to show me an award that he received from the Chamber for the Outstanding Citizen of the Year. When Andy is not on the roof or attending community meetings, he is enjoying his hobby of gold prospecting. It sounds like Andy doesn’t have time to get old!
Happy 80th Birthday, Andy Smith. Happy 55th Anniversary, Andy & Shirley, and Happy 50th Anniversary, C & S Television.

C & S Television is located at _ _ _ _ Roseville Road. Stop by and say hello to Andy and Shirley, or call if you need any television repairs.