On Thursday evening, September 25, 2008, God dispatched His angel for one of His very own, one who has labored in His vineyard and went about doing God's will. Minister Ezekiel Smith Jr., son of the late Elder Ezekiel Smith Sr. and Annie P. Smith, was born November 26, 1930. Minister Smith was educated in the public school system of Berkeley County, SC. He was brought up in a Christian home and became a minister of Canaan Christian Church at an early age. His favorite saying was, "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord" On February 22, 1953, Minister Smith was joined in holy matrimony to Elouise Birch. To this union, they were blessed with eight children: three sons and five daughters. Minister Smith was called into the ministry on January 2, 1975 and was ordained on November 16, 1977. He served in many capacities. He served as pastor of the following churches from 1978 to 1990: New Cherry Grove Church (D. O. C.), Bronson, SC; St. Phillip Christian Church (D. O. C.), St. George, SC; and United Love Christian Church (D. O. C.), Fairfax, SC. His evangelistic ministry started at the Local 1422 International Longshoreman Association (I.L.A.). He retired from Local 1422 I.L.A. where he served for over 35 years. He was a member and lead singer for the Gospel Four Singers for 30 years. He was also a foster parent for the Department of Social Services. Minister Smith loved preaching God's word, telling people all over the world, God said, "Get in a hurry before it's too late." Jesus said "the day you hear my voice, harden not your heart." Ye must be born again. He preached on the street corner, in the community, in the shopping mall, etc., sharing with all who would listen that "Jesus is the answer for the world today, always and forever." Minister Smith touched the lives of so many and will truly be missed in a special way. Once you met him, you experienced a moment in time like no other. He is gone, but not forgotten. His words will live on forever. Those left to cherish fond memories are: a loving, devoted wife, Elouise B. Smith of the home; two sons, Deacon Matthew Smith (Patricia) and Timothy Smith (Shawn) of Moncks Corner, SC; four daughters, Sheila (Elder James) Pinckney of Moncks Corner, SC, Annie Dozier (Dennis) of Atlanta, GA, Georgianne Edwards (Barry) of Moncks Corner, SC and Viola Green (Emuel) of Charleston, SC; honorary son, Dr. St. Julian Snider (Gwen) of Orangeburg, SC; goddaughter, Rosa L. Thomas of Brooklyn, NY; godson, Sandy Smith of Houston, TX; two sisters, Earline Mazyck and Elsie Green of Moncks Corner, SC; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Stevens (Deacon John) and Victoria Bradley of Moncks Corner, SC; nineteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several foster children; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Minister Smith was predeceased by two children, Esau Smith and Virgie S. Snider; two brothers, Elder Testie Smith Sr. and Arthur Lee Smith Sr.; four sisters, Mary Duberry, Naomi Smalls, Albertha Cooper and Carrie Simmons.