Charles A. Smith of Du Quoin

Charles A. Smith, 83, of Du Quoin, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 11:18 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 at his residence.

Charles was a Baptist minister for 31 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 38 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 Aug. 8, 1938 at Frederick, Illinois, the son of Dalphie and Inez (Gray) Smith.

He married Charlotte A. Alford on May 14, 1960 at Columbus, Georgia and she preceded him in death on Feb. 22, 2013. They were married 53 years.

He is survived by one son, Charles A. "Chuck" (Mary) Smith Jr. of Du Quoin; two daughters, Brenda (Scott) Harsy of Du Quoin and Sandra L. (Tracy) Powell of Edmond, Oklahoma; 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 (Don) Barrett of Du Quoin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters, Barbara Cavins and Theresa Zoller.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Ted Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Everyone in attendance at the funeral home is required to wear a mask, and asked to use social distancing guidelines.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.

Friends are invited to make memorials to the American Heart Association, Du Quoin Food Pantry or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; they will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.