W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Rev. Charles Commodore, 76, of Louisville transitioned to his Heavenly home on Friday, March 3, 2023 surrounded by family at his home.

Visitation 10-12 Monday, March 13, 2023 at Community Missionary Baptist Church 4909 E. Indian Trail. Funeral to follow at 12 Noon. Burial Petersburg-Newburg Cemetery.

Charles Commodore was born on Monday, February 24, 1947 in Itta Bena, Mississippi, to the union of David Sr. and Leatha Loveless Commodore. He was the youngest of six children; Mary Ellen, Daisy L., Ruth, Mae Francis, and David, Jr.

Charles accepted Christ before the early age of ten years old at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Itta Bena, Mississippi, where his dad, David Commodore, Sr. was a Deacon, and Rev. J. R. Rouse, was the Pastor.

Charles received his education in Mississippi, and graduated from Threadgill High School in Greenwood, Mississippi in 1967. After high school graduation, he enrolled at Mississippi Valley State College in Itta Bena, Mississippi. It was at Mississippi Valley State College that Charles played football. One of his friends, Charles Smith “FAB”, often said that Charles could have played pro football if a football play hadn’t gone wrong, causing Charles to lose interest in playing football ever again. In the school year 1971/1972, Charles graduated from Mississippi Valley State College with a B.A. Degree in Science, Physical Education and Social Studies. It was also at college that he was first introduced to Regina Smith, who later became his wife.

February 24, 1971, Charles and Regina Smith were united in Holy Matrimony, and to this union three children were born; Anita, Sabrina and Charles Reginald “Reggie”. It has been mentioned that Reggie was the only child that was given a middle name, and perhaps, it was because neither of their parents had middle names.

Charles was a teacher in the Jefferson County Public School System for many years until his retirement. He not only taught in JCPS, but was on their painting crew after school hours and during the summer. Painting was not considered another job for Charles, because he painted with some of his born and raised with, fellow Mississippi “homeboy” teachers and peers on the paint crew. Being very athletic, he was also a football and basketball coach. It wasn’t all work and no play for Charles. He enjoyed watching his sports on tv, and getting a big laugh out of Cowboy Movies from the characters Foghorn Leghorn and Yosemite Sam.

There were many nicknames that friends, co-workers, students, relatives, “homeboys” and distant relatives referenced Charles Commodore – Rev., Doe, C-Doe, Com Me, Unk, Mr. C., Pops, Commodore, Hey-Mann, Grandad, but to his children he was just DAD.

Charles started attending Community Missionary Baptist Church back in the late 70’s, and with the encouragement from his wife, Regina, and his children, he decided to make Community his church home. One of the many nicknames was “Rev.” before he had ever received his calling from God. When Charles did receive his calling from the Lord, it was like he was on fire for God. He has tried his best to walk in the path of the Lord, as well as educate his family to do the same. Not only was he a loyal member of the church and a faithful Minister, he was a loving father and friend to all that he came in contact with.

Need a helping hand? You could call on Charles to help out with painting, fishing, coaching, teaching, or just cooking up some fried chicken and fish. He gave of his time to his church, family, friends and extended family. His unselfishness, the long hard years of sweat, stress, and tears, through sickness, and also experiencing times of good health,

made Charles the kind of God loving person that he was. The family is blessed and thankful, that so many people had the privilege to know our father, grandad, and great grandad, and the opportunity for him to touch your lives in some way.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, David, Sr., and Leatha; siblings, Mae Francis, Daisy L., David, Jr., and Ruth.

On Friday, March 3, 2023, Rev. Charles Commodore, left his earthly home and ascended to Heaven to be with his Heavenly Father. He leaves to cherish his memories, three children, Anita, Sabrina and Charles “Reggie”; four grandchildren, Rapheal, Diamond, Dartaniel, Catalina; one great grandchild, Chanel; one sister, Mary (Mohamad)

Mani from Chicago, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews and other friends and relatives