Charles A. Smith, 83, of Du Quoin, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 11:18 A.M., Sunday, December 12, 2021 at his residence.
Charles had been a Baptist minister for thirty-one years and was ordained at the First Baptist Church in Du Quoin on July 15, 1990. He was an office manager for Freeman United Coal Company for thirty-eight years. Charles was also an aide at the Du Quoin High School. He was a United States Army veteran. Charles was a member of the Old Du Quoin Baptist Church. He was a Boy Scout Leader and worked at the Du Quoin Food Pantry. Charles was a member of the Pinckneyville Ministerial Alliance while he was Pastor at the Roe's Dale Baptist Church in Pinckneyville. Charles was all about his family and helping others when they needed help. He was very community oriented and involved with community activities.
He was born August 8, 1938 at Frederick, IL, the son of Dalphie and Inez (Gray) Smith.
He married Charlotte A. Alford on May 14, 1960 at Columbus, GA and she preceded him in death on February 22, 2013. They were married fifty-three years.
He is survived by one son - Charles A. "Chuck" Smith, Jr. and wife Mary of Du Quoin, two daughters - Brenda Harsy and husband Scott of Du Quoin and Sandra L. Powell and husband Tracy of Edmond, OK, seven grandchildren - Nathan Harsy, Ashley Thorpe, Lauren Hobbs, Anthony "A.J." Smith, Katherine "Katie" Smith, Bailey Powell, and Chelsea Powell, three great grandchildren - Isaac Hobbs, Abigail Hobbs, and Ethan Hobbs, and one sister - Loretta Barrett and husband Don of Du Quoin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two sisters - Barbara Cavins and Theresa Zoller.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 17, 2021 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Ted Clark officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 P.M., Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Please use social distancing guidelines. Everyone in attendance is required to wear a mask.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.
Friends may make memorials to the American Heart Association, Du Quoin Food Pantry or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.