Charlie Highsmith, Jr.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteousness judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

     Deacon Charlie Highsmith, Jr. was born, in Beech Island, SC, September 4, 1936, to the late Mr. Charlie Highsmith, Sr and Mrs. Pearline Walters Green-Highsmith. At an early age, he gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and faithfully served the Lord as a devoted Man of God and servant throughout his entire life. After graduating from Schofield High School, Aiken, SC, he joined the United States Air Force. He then united in marriage to Deaconess Gladys Pressley Highsmith and to this union five children were born: Teresa, Charlene, Cynthia, Charles and Celeste.

     Deacon Highsmith joined Mount Moriah Baptist Church, North Charleston, SC in 1966. He served as a member of Mount Moriah’s Board of Trustees and was ordained as a Deacon in 1969. Deacon Highsmith provided services as a Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Vice-Chairman Trustee Board, Deacon in-charge of the Usher Board, Nominating-Search Committee, and Vice President of Brotherhood.

     Deacon Highsmith’s onward services in the community included: Past Master of Saxon Lodge #249, Member of George Washington Carver Masonry, Saxon Lodge #249 Widows and Need Committee, Member of Temple #139 Marching Patrol Unit, Member of Charleston Air Force Base Bible Study Groups, Past Member of American Legion Post #113 and #250. Later in his career, he earned a degree in Business Administration, Southern Eastern Business College, Charleston, SC.

     He treasured sharing his many experiences and memories of helping others. He was also known to his Family as the ultimate “Prayer Warrior”. Deacon Highsmith demonstrated a unique gift in performing missionary duties in which he took every opportunity to travel with the church to do so. His often words were, “continue to work thru it – God will make a way; and even when we are resting, God is still working tirelessly on behalf of his people”. The wisdom and vision he demonstrated, coupled with the uplift he brought in people, was beyond compare.

     Deacon Highsmith retired from the Department of the Air Force after 36 years of Federal Service. He served as an Airman and upheld the Airman’s Creed with distinct honors. He served in the following positions: Logistics Management Technician, Total Quality Management Instructor, Supply Management Analyst, General Supply Specialist, Supervisory Supply Technician and Facility Program Management. He performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner; displayed exceptional pride and attention to detail in every task assigned to his name. His selfless devotion reflected great credit upon himself, upholding the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

     Deacon Highsmith loved spending quality time with his family (fulfilled with smiles and great laughter), he loved going fishing with friends, and enjoyed traveling the world. His areas of travel included: Africa, Germany, Singapore, Korea, Haiti, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and Cambodia. His favorite gospel songs that he always loved to listen to were as follows: “I Came to Tell You”; “I’m Still Here”; “Down through the Years the Lord’s Been Good to Me”; and God is My Everything”.

     He leaves to cherish his memory: His devoted wife of over 62 years, Deaconess Gladys Pressley Highsmith; son, Charles Highsmith (Sheila), daughters, Teresa Highsmith, Charlene Highsmith Bennett (Tony), Cynthia Highsmith Gourdine, and Celeste Highsmith Palmer; grandchildren, Shaun Highsmith, Rachel Highsmith (Nate), Tracy Highsmith, Bryan Highsmith, Karome Walker (Johnnie), Brandon Gourdine, Ryan Gourdine, and Sydney Palmer; Great grandchildren, Aubrey, Aiden, Iyanna, Raelynn, and Zane; and a host of Family Members of Aiken and Beech Island, SC and Augusta, GA, other relatives and friends

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charlie Highsmith, Jr., please visit our floral store.