In early 1968, C.R. Smith retired as chief executive of American Airlines when his longtime friend, President Lyndon B. Johnson, appointed him Secretary of Commerce.

In 1973, American's Board of Directors asked Mr. C.R. to return as interim chairman while they searched for a permanent chief executive. He remained until Albert V. Casey was elected chairman.

Following his retirement, C.R. Smith remained active in civic affairs in Washington, D.C. He died on April 4, 1990, at the age of 90 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.