Charles Smith Jr

Charles Henry Smith, Jr., 88, went Home to be with his dear Savior on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. Born in Norfolk, Virginia on July 26, 1922, he was the oldest son of the late Charles H. Smith, Sr. As a young man, Charles became an accomplished pianist and played for several big churches in the Norfolk area. Eventually, he moved to Jamaica, New York to live with his father and stepmother, the late Irene Smith. As an adult, he became a truck driver, which was in line with his love of traveling. He decided to settle down in Columbus, Ohio where he married his first wife, Florence Smith. Together, they had three children, Toya, Brett, and “Chipper,” and lived in the Linden area. Charles became active in ham radio groups and various volunteer organizations, including the Children’s Hospital burn unit and as a “behind the scenes” volunteer at many Linden area events. While in Columbus, Charles learned how much Jesus loves him, so he fully gave his own heart to Jesus. He joined Shiloh Baptist Church where he served as an usher and trustee, worked with the church youth groups, and became a deacon. At Shiloh, he met and married his beloved second wife, Martha Ann Lofton, and became stepfather to her two children, Paul and Tammy. Together, they became charter members of Faith Ministries Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. C. Dexter Wise, III. At Faith Ministries, Charles continued to fulfill what he considered his calling – “Commissioned to Serve.” He served as a deacon and building custodian. Most of all, he became the quiet example to all of a true servant of Christ. Whenever there was a job that needed to be done, he would take care of it if he could, without complaint. When he retired from Highlift/Towlift Co., he started his own company, CHS Janitorial/Maintenance Services so that he could continue serving. Through his business, he served several companies and churches in the Linden area and throughout Columbus. He made himself available 24/7 so that others could maintain productivity, even working late hours cleaning area churches. Even when Charles had to slow down because of Alzheimer’s and other illnesses, he still did his best to serve others, even if only by holding a door open or by carrying a bag for someone else. Most of all, he never forgot to remind people to “keep Jesus in your heart because He’s right there with you.” In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by a brother Ralph V. Smith. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Martha; children, Paul, Tammy, Toya, Brett, and “Chipper”; sister Eleanor Brown; brother Kenneth Smith; a host of grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Homegoing Celebration 12:30 p.m., Thursday, November 18, 2010 at Faith Ministries Church, 2747 Agler Road, where the family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until the start of service. Rev. Dr. C. Dexter Wise, III, officiating. Entombment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.