Charles Smith
CHARLES (CHUCK) D. SMITH Age 81, of Highland, California, went to be with the Lord July 7, 2022. He died peacefully in his sleep. Chuck was born on July 19, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Smith, his daughter and son-in-law Tammy and Matt Howell, his son and daughter-in-law Terry and Wendy Smith, and his two grandsons Jeff and Jake Howell. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Kealy, brother Johnny Smith, their spouses, and many other much-loved relatives. Chuck graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1958. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army serving primarily in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1962. He was extremely proud of his service for this country. While in Germany, he proposed to his high school sweetheart, Barbara Danner, whom he met in church youth group. After the army, they moved to Fontana, California, where he became a barber. He owned a barber shop at the old Fontana Square and ended his barbering career at Shakey’s Barbershop. After twenty years of barbering, he used his excellent people skills to become an insurance agent. He worked for Prudential and Colonial Insurance Companies, retiring in 2022 at the age of 81. After retiring, he wanted to continue working, so he became the chef and clubhouse monitor at Mountain Shadows Senior Adult Community, where they happily lived for the last 16 years. In every city he lived, he became involved for the betterment of the community. He was Gridiron Club President for the Fontana High School football team, he was a local little league president, he was involved in school music programs with his kids, and many other clubs and organizations. After his personal faith and his family, his service to his Lord through the church was foremost in his life. He served as a deacon at both First Baptist Fontana and Immanuel Baptist in Highland. Up until his death, he served on numerous committees, and especially loved assisting in the baptisms and teaching the baptism class. He had a true servant’s heart, placing others first, always greeting everyone with a hug and a smile. Although he will be sorely missed by his family and numerous friends, we are comforted knowing he is present with the Lord.
