Charles Douglas Smith

Charles Douglas Smith, 78, formerly of the Dodson Branch Community in Cookeville, Tennessee graduated into heaven Tuesday, August 2, 2016 after battling with dementia/Alzheimer's disease. Charles "Doug" was born to Frank Smith and June Thomas on October 28, 1937 in Oak Hill, West Virginia where he was raised. The family relocated to Detroit, Michigan and in 1956 Doug became active in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the U.S.S. Arcadia. While he was in the Navy, Doug met his future wife, Marilyn Lane and communicated primarily by written correspondence. The two continued to court and on October 27, 1958 were united in marriage. Two days after the wedding, General Motors Corporation employed Doug where he would spend the next 31 years as a crane operator. On August 12, 1962, Doug surrendered his heart and life to Christ, a decision that would forever change him and his descendents. At that point, he became hungry for God's Word and eager to serve in the local church, Ryan Road Baptist Church of Warren, Michigan. He served in many roles including deacon, treasurer, children's departments, choir, among others. You could say if there was ever a "faithful" man, it was he. Following retirement in 1989, Doug and Marilyn chose to move to Cookeville, Tennessee as they had always dreamed of living in the warmer south and wanted to be near some long-time friends. It was there Doug did what he was passionate about so he opened a small business called "Doug's Small Engine Repair" fixing and repairing engines. He was not afraid of hard work! He loved to visit people and give them the gospel of Christ, "for it is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believeth". Doug and Marilyn joined Bible Baptist Church in 1992 and became actively involved serving in different roles but primarily music. He loved the old hymns and continued to use his voice for the Lord. Among Doug's other favorite things to do were eating out, hiking, camping, fishing, boating and gardening and travelling to visit his kinfolk. In August of 2012, Doug and Marilyn moved to central Florida in order to be closer to family who could care for them on a daily basis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Smith and June Whitfield, stepmother Natilla Smith, sister Donna Abdennour, and brother Dick Smith among many uncles, aunts and cousins, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Smith whom he dearly loved, his two children, Rhonda Schirle of Orlando, Florida and William Smith of Denver, Colorado, four grandchildren, Jeremy Schirle (Tampa), Janae Schirle (Orlando), Neikel Smith Gomez, Krisha Smith (Denver) and three great grandchildren, Connor Gomez, Jayden Schirle and Israela Schirle. Also included are his brother John Smith from Fayetteville, West Virginia and family, and his stepsister Drema Sue Toll and family from Detroit, Michigan. Visitation will be held at the Bible Baptist Church, 229 W Jere Whitson Road, Cookeville, Tennessee on Monday, August 8, 2016 from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. A celebration of life service will also be held at the church on Tuesday morning, August 9th at 10am. Interment will be following at the Dodson Branch Cemetery in Jackson County. Services will be under the direction of Anderson - Upper Cumberland Funeral Home of Gainesboro, Tennessee. Flowers or plants are welcome and can be sent to the funeral home at 2131 South Grundy Quarles Hwy., Gainesboro, Tennessee (931) 268-1550. Funeral Home Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home, Inc. 2131 S. Grundy Quarles Hwy. P.O. Box 398 Gainesboro TN - 38562 US 931-268-1550 931-268-1552