Charles Usaf Jr.

Charles Randall Smallwood, Jr. was born on May 4, 1934, in Washington D.C. to Charles R. and Lillian Smallwood. He was christened as an infant and raised in the Catholic faith. After graduating from high school he joined the United States Air Force. During his career with the Air Force he was stationed at international and national locations, including the Philippines, Japan, and New Mexico. He was one of our veterans who served our country during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Albuquerque he perfected his artistic craft of creating handmade God's Eyes. They were so finely crafted that companies expressed an interest in them and passersby marveled at the detail and artistry. His artistic talents also included weaving fine tapestries for wall mounting; his designs were derived from brilliant sketch drawings from his very creative mind. In his younger days he also loved to build model airplanes and automobiles, with details so extremely precise they looked real. Charles also loved jazz and Motown music, loved to play tennis and golf, and he loved camping in the outdoors. He was very passionate about his karate skills as he was a 3rd degree black belt, which he earned in the Philippines. He taught some of those skills to his 3 sons. He would serve 20 dedicated years to the United States Air Force before retiring in 1971. He would continue to serve through his work at the Veteran's Administration from 1971 to 1991. He met the love of his life, LaJuanda Blair, and they were married on October 6,1952. To their union three sons were born - Charles (aka Randy), Michael and Arthur. As a family they enjoyed life together in the glow of his bright spirit and infectious personality. He loved big, and brought joy to all around him They were blessed to recently celebrate their 65th anniversary. Their years together were steeped in love, appreciation and true commitment to each other. During the years of his declining health, she became his biggest advocate. To witness her devotion to his care was an inspiration to all around them. He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife of 65 years, LaJuanda Smallwood; three sons Charles (Belinda) R. Smallwood III, Michael Smallwood, and Arthur Smallwood; five grandchildren Ashley (Brien Collier) Smallwood , Jessica Smallwood, Amber (Johnnie) Murrietta, Charles Austin Smallwood, and Christopher Smallwood; five great-grandchildren Abrianna Collier, Brien Collier, Theotis Elijah Davis, Johnnie Murrietta and Jovanni Murrietta; a devoted sister Sheila Jones and sister-in-law Rubia Brown, brothers-in-law Clarence Blair

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 11/20/2017 at 9:00 AM - Visitation - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 11/20/2017 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 843 West 100th Place Northglenn, Colorado
Cemetery: 11/20/2017 at 2:15:00 PM - Ft. Logan National Cemterey - 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 11/20/2017 - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 843 West 100th Place Northglenn, Colorado
Family Gathering: 11/20/2017 - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 843 West 100th Place Northglenn, Colorado