Charles Smith Jr.

Charles is survived by his wife of 57 years, Minnie Trapp Smith; daughters, Nancy (Randy) Wilson, Wanda (Larry) Thompson, all of Blythewood; and grandchildren, MC2 Jason Wilson of Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Caitlin Wilson, and Jared Thompson, both of Blythewood; a sister, Kathleen (Don) Daniels, of Blythewood; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; and his precious dog “Bell”. In addition to his parents, Charlie and Delphine Smith, he is predeceased by his brothers, C.D. Smith, Jones Smith, Lacy Smith; and sisters, Gladys Mattox, Delphine White, and Crawford Smith.

Charles was retired from Niggel Associates where he worked as a tile setter. He was an ordained deacon and a member of Sandy Level Baptist Church. Charles served in the U.S. Army, where he fought in the Korean Confilct and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 5 until 7 o’clock, at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Dr., Columbia. The celebration of his life will be on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at 3 o’clock, at Sandy Level Baptist Church. Serving as pallbearers will be Charles’ nephews and honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Men’s Sunday School Class at Sandy Level. Memorials may be made to the Heartworm Project, P.O. Box 7308, West Columbia, SC, 29171 or the Deacon Ministry of Sandy Level Baptist Church, 408 Blythewood Road, Blythewood, SC 29016

Charles was an avid gardener who shared his tomatoes, peppers, and collard greens with his many friends in Blythewood. An animal lover, he shared his home with many cats and dogs throughout his life. Charles was a kind and gentle man with a big heart and will sorely missed by his family and friends.