CINCINNATI — A household man, an advocate for veterans and all the time prepared to assist others.
That’s how family members of Charles Smith, 55, are remembering him after he was shot and killed final Friday in South Cumminsville.
“He’s a kind of males that, to have recognized him, you really liked him,” stated Carlton Collins, the godson of Smith.
Smith was shot within the 1700 block of Elmore Highway in South Cumminsville simply earlier than midnight on Friday, June 13. He was pronounced lifeless on the scene, in line with the Cincinnati Police Division (CPD).
“For this tragedy to occur on this means, he’s most likely one of the least deserving folks you may consider,” Collins stated.
Smith stated one of many defining qualities about Smith was his willingness to assist anybody who wanted it. However as a Navy veteran, he had a mushy spot for different veterans.
“That work was about how will we ensure that the veterans right here in Cincinnati had been taken care of,” Collins stated. “That their wants had been met, that the VA hospital itself had the sources.”
Smith labored on the Cincinnati VA Medical Middle for over 25 years as a part of their labor relations workforce. He was additionally the union president for AFGE Native 2031 for quite a few years.
The Cincinnati VA Medical Middle shared an announcement about Smith’s demise with WCPO 9, stating, “The Cincinnati VA Medical Middle is deeply saddened by the tragic demise of our worker Charles Smith. We share our deepest condolences with the Smith household and their family members. All Cincinnati VAMC employees in want of help have entry to counseling by means of VA’s Worker Help Program.”
Collins stated the work his godfather did on the VA shall be his lasting legacy.
“His legacy is gonna be about impression, his legacy is gonna be in that constructing. Simply a few of the modifications which were made, a few of the enhancements which were made,” Collins stated.
Smith’s household remains to be processing and grieving his demise, and Collins informed us that a few of them had been there when Smith was shot.
Smith Household
“There’s a variety of trauma, there’s a variety of questions which can be nonetheless going unanswered,” he stated.
Smith’s household stated they’re cooperating with CPD of their investigation, they usually hope justice will quickly be served.
Smith’s household additionally shared an announcement with WCPO 9 concerning his demise. You’ll be able to learn the total assertion beneath:
“It’s with profound unhappiness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles L. Smith Jr.—a beloved husband of over 30 years, devoted father of 5, proud grandfather, loyal brother, steadfast good friend, devoted coach, gifted singer, proud veteran, and man of unwavering religion.
Charles served his nation with honor and continued that service as a tireless advocate for the rights and dignity of working folks. For greater than 25 years, Charles constructed a legacy in worker and labor relations, culminating in his management as Nationwide Consultant for the American Federation of Authorities Workers (AFGE) and President of AFGE Native 2031 on the Cincinnati VA Medical Middle. His advocacy, braveness, and data helped form fairer workplaces and empowered numerous federal staff with the instruments and voice to face up for justice.
A revered coach on the nationwide degree, Charles educated and mentored stewards, managers, and staff throughout the nation. He was an issue professional on advanced labor legal guidelines and insurance policies and a trusted advisor to many. His skillful navigation of grievances, labor negotiations, and disciplinary issues mirrored not solely a mastery of the legislation but additionally a deep compassion for folks.
Past his skilled accomplishments, Charles was a servant chief guided by religion. He was a gifted singer and lifelong member of Jerriel Missionary Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the proud son of gospel legend Gloria Hayes and got here up beneath the musical and religious management of Dr. Charles Fold at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church—an internationally acclaimed, Grammy-winning gospel artist and the primary worldwide president of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Charles’s voice was not solely heard in track but additionally in spirit, echoing by means of choirs, sanctuaries, and the hearts of those that worshipped alongside him.
To know Charles was to witness integrity in motion—a person who carried the load of others with humility and stood firmly for what was proper, even when it wasn’t straightforward. Above all, he cherished his position as a husband and father, pouring his coronary heart into his household with the identical power and love he gave to his group.
On this tough time, the Smith household respectfully asks for privateness and house to grieve. We encourage all who had been touched by Charles’s life to recollect his legacy of service, love, and religion. Allow us to honor his reminiscence by persevering with the work he cared so deeply about—with braveness, with unity, and with coronary heart.
Relaxation in energy, Charles L. Smith Jr. Your gentle won’t ever fade.”
CPD’s investigation into Smith’s demise remains to be open. Anybody with data on Smith’s demise is requested to name the CPD Murder Unit at 513-352-3542.
