Charles Edward Smith, age 85, of Knoxville, Tennessee moved to his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Two days later, Friday, July 31, 2020, Joanne Irene Smith, age 81, faithful wife of 66 years joined him in the presence of the Lord. Charles and Joanne are survived by their 6 children: Charles (Julie) Smith of Orlando, Florida, Thomas (Anita) Smith of Frankfort, Illinois, Robert (Vicky) Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee, Vincent (Debbie) Smith of Cordova, Tennessee, Cynthia Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee, and John (Heather) Smith of Powell, Tennessee; 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
Charles and Joanne were both saved under the ministry of Rev. James H. George at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Crete, Illinois. It was there that they learned to serve the Lord and where Charles was eventually called into the ministry. They served as an Assistant Pastor at the Jordan Baptist Church in Burbank, Illinois, under the leadership of Rev. F.R. Bingham. After being ordained to the Gospel ministry in May 1974, they moved back to his hometown where they served as an assistant pastor at Union City Baptist Temple in Union City, Tennessee, before following the leadership of the Lord to begin the Bible Baptist Church and later the Bible Baptist Academy. Following a ministry of almost a decade there, they would move to Dublin, Kentucky where Charles accepted the pastorate of Dublin Baptist Church in August 1985. Together they would serve there for 8 years at which time the Lord led them to the Warren Missionary Baptist Church in Warren, Michigan where Charles would serve as pastor for 16 years. During his pastorate the church was led to expand the bus ministry, develop a robust mission’s program, and build a new auditorium, office complex, Sunday school classrooms, as well as remodeling existing areas. Throughout these years and ministries, Charles and Joanne served side by side, committed to Christ and one another. In 2009, the Lord led Charles to resign the pastorate and retire in Knoxville, Tennessee and become active members of the Temple Baptist Church.
Charles & Joanne were loving parents, spouses, grandparents, great-grandparents, family members and friends. The countless people whose lives they touched and came to know and love will dearly miss them, but have the assurance that they are now in the presence of the one whom they faithfully served for over five decades.
Charles’ life verse was Revelation 1:18, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”’
Joanne’s life verses were Romans 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
As Charles and Joanne dedicated their life to the service of the Lord, their family would encourage you to honor their memory and service by making a donation to the Student Scholarship Fund of The Crown College of the Bible in Powell, Tennessee. This fund helps make Christian education possible for students, many of whom will serve as Pastors/Pastor’s wives, Missionaries, and Christian School Educators. Your contribution to this fund results in changed lives and is a fitting memorial for these faithful servants of Christ.
A memorial service will be held at their home church, Temple Baptist Church in Powell, Tennessee, on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Clarence Sexton, whom they loved and supported, officiating.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sherwoodchapel.com for the Smith family.
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