Charles Don Smith Jr.

Charles Don (Donnie) Smith Jr. was born Sunday morning December 7, 1958 in Lufkin, Texas to Jean E. and Charles Don Smith Sr. He departed this life to his heavenly home on Saturday, June 25, 2005, at the age of 46 years and 6 months. He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 6 wonderful years, Vivian Ann Johnson Smith of Dayton, his parents, Don & Jean Smith of Dayton, sister, Pam Smith Davis of Dayton, maternal grandparents, Bill & Flossie Keels of Livingston, niece Jill Walston and husband Dave and their son Mattie of Marshall, niece, Jennifer Ponder and nephew Jerry Ponder, sister-in-law, Audra Ponder and husband Tom of Chicago, a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and more friends than one man should have had.

He loved his Church family at Second Baptist Church in Baytown. He was registered on the cradle roll in January of 1959. He grew up there and made his profession of Jesus as his Savior at the age of about 7. He was licensed into the ministry there in 1979 and, except for 11 years in the 90’s, was a life long member. He attended school at Ashbell Smith Elementary, David G. Burnett Elementary, the “Old” Baytown Jr. School, Ross S. Sterling High School, San Jacinto Jr. College, Lee Jr. College, Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Tx., and Southwestern Seminary Extension Program at Houston Baptist in Houston, Texas. Donnie always thought he was a good athlete, playing football in High School and running track in high school and Jr. College. He loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing and never found a game he could not or would not referee. His mother used to say he would referee a Tidily-Winks game if they needed help. He refereed football, basketball, and his love, baseball. While living on the east coast, Donnie was chosen to referee a State Semi-final baseball game and two State private finals in Maryland. He loved his jobs as a National Park Ranger working in the Washington D.C. area for almost 12 years and back home with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, June 30, 4:00 pm at Navarre Chapel with Rev. Wayne McAfee and Bro. Danny Biddy officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Tommy Jones, Brent Perry, Pat Mooney, John Haydon, James Hillin, Donnie Robertson, Mark Hall, and Tim Alford. Honorary pallbearers will be the men in the Second Baptist Choir, Donnie’s ABF class members, and the Umpires of Liberty TAST and Baytown Recreational Umpires Associations.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Old River Baptist Building Fund or the Howard Payne University Building Fund. To view the obituary or post a tribute to the family, visit www.navarrefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook, Baytown, Tx. 281-422-8111.