Herbert Cecil Smith Jr

Herbert Cecil Smith, Jr., departed this life at the age of 79 on February 6, 2026, and is now with his Lord and Savior.

Herbert and his family endured many hardships during his young life. Since Herbert was the oldest child, he began working at the early age of 16, helping to support his mother and three siblings. After high school, Herbert enlisted in the Marines and, while serving at Parris Island, received an Honorable Discharge due to medical reasons.

He found his niche in life when he enrolled in the first class upon the opening of the Police Academy in Columbia, South Carolina. A picture of the first graduating class hangs on the wall of the Academy. After graduation from the Academy, Herbert joined the Kershaw County Police Department in Camden, South Carolina. He then moved back to Charleston and worked with the Charleston County Police Department, City of Charleston Police Department, and was one of the first ten officers hired with the

North Charleston Police Department. Herbert worked his way through the ranks receiving the rank of Sergeant when he felt the unrelenting call to become a pastor.

Herbert moved his family to Louisville, Kentucky, to attend Boyce at the Southern Baptist Seminary and was ordained a Baptist minister. Herbert went on to serve 14 years as a Pastor to numerous Baptist churches in Indiana, retiring from the ministry in Walterboro, South Carolina. Herbert served as an Interim Pastor to many churches in Kentucky, Indiana, and the Tri-County area.

Herbert is survived by his wife of 53 years, Artice Weil Smith; daughter, Ruby Darlene Smith Long; sister, Sandra Lynn Garvin; brother, Steven Michael Smith; stepfather, Charles Jacques; many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by our son, Anthony Brant Smith; mother, Marguerite Culpepper Smith Jacques; sister Sharon Sipes Frederick.

Herbert was dearly loved and will be sorely missed until the day we follow him into glory. "But they that wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31 KJB)