by Chris Allen

It was more of a celebration than a funeral - but that's what he would have wanted.

Charles Small was a popular man and will certainly not be forgotten in a hurry.

Nevertheless, this was a funeral which was taking place years before its time - and the emotion was at times too much for many crowded into the chape where Mr Small worshipped.

The 78-year-old grandfather was killed just yards from his home by a hit-and-run driver as he walked to New Testament Church of God in Eastville on Wednesday, November 26.

His family and friends didn't get a chance to say goodbye and as yet no one has been brought to book for his death.

But on Tuesday they all came together to pay their respects and say the goodbyes - something that they had been so cruelly denied by his untimely death.

Hundreds of mourners packed the church where he regularly attended Sunday services.

There wasn't a free chair, and barely any room to stand. In the church or the adjoining hall, where the service was relayed live onto a giant screen.

In a moving and emotionally-charged service - which included a full band and backing singers - the church was filled with the sound of singing and music.

And although the majority were dressed in black out of respect to Mr Small, the mood was anything but sombre.

There were tears, but there was also laughter, singing and the occasional "Hallelujah".

In scenes not normally seen in traditional churches in this country, this was certainly no ordinary funeral. But then Mr Small was no ordinary man.

He was one of the men who helped set up the New Testament Church of God in Bristol and was known for often telling the congregation: "I have a dream".

And in further references to Martin Luther King, one of the many vicars from around the UK who paid tribute to 'Brother Charles' told mourners: "This is a momentous occasion".

Reverend Thomas added: "The dreamer maybe dead, but the dream goes on".

Among the church leaders, family and friends who paid tribute to the retired carpenter during the service was one of his eight grandchildren, Leondre Douglas.

He lived with his grandfather for two years.

"I never managed to tell him the impact he had on my life," he told the packed church. "He did so much for me.

Fighting back tears, he added: "One of the things I really regret is that I never got to tell him that.

"I was privileged to live with my grandparents when my mother moved to London. I will never forget that experience.

"Those two years changed my life and I wouldn't be doing what I am doing today if it wasn't for my grandfather. He was like a father to me.

"Some good will come of all this, although I can't see it right now."

Charles was killed as he crossed Robertson Road in Easton. A devout Christian, he had been on his way to church.

Witnesses saw the driver pause for a moment before driving away. The car has not been found and the driver has not given themselves up.

He leaves behind his wife, Keziah, aged 68, as well as their four daughters and eight grandchildren.

Born in Jamaica, he moved to Bristol in 1962 and settled in Totterdown.

He married in 1969 and worked as a carpenter on many buildings throughout the city during the 70s and 80s, most notably the Tollgate House tower which has since been knocked down to make way for the new Cabot Circus car park.

Stood in front of her father's coffin, an American-style casket, with the mandolin he loved to play proudly on display, Charles' daughter Sonia Byfield gave the church a brief glimpse into their home live.

"He was Small by name - but large in character," she smiled. "He will never be forgotten."

She added: "He enjoyed his family. We always got together every Christmas and we'd sing songs.

"He was known for playing his mandolin. He enjoyed playing to us.

"But he was also a people's person. He always found time to visit the sick whether at home or in hospital."

Charles used to regularly stop people in the street and talk to them and was well known in the local community.

When he saw something he thought was wrong, he would speak out, she said.

Adding: "He was known for his straight talking and wasn't intimidated by anyone."

But he will probably be best remembered for his work in the church.

Among the many people he helped over the years was close friend Sis Blossom.

"He was like a father and a friend to me," she told the church, "I have known him since 1963.

"When my husband past away - he was there with me."

Leaning over to tap the top of the casket, she added: "I thank him for what he did for me."

Charles was knocked down on November 26. He tragically died the next day at Frenchay Hospital.

Witness have told police how they saw a black, or blue, Peugeot 307 car. It may have had WM or WN at the start of its numberplate.

Some people have spoken of seeing a passenger in the rear seat of the car, which drove off towards Stapleton Road.

Charles' family now face the prospect of a Christmas and the rest of their lives without a father, grandfather, uncle and friend to so many.

Such was the respect Charles commanded, hundreds wanted to celebrate his life, rather than mourn his loss.

The motorist who mowed him down has to live with their conscience.