Roger Carroll Smith

Roger was born on February 16, 1934, to Francis and Irene Smith in North Hollywood, California. He loved sports from his early years and played football at North Hollywood High School, where he graduated in 1952. He then received a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Occidental College in Southern California. Following his education, he entered military service as a Naval aviator in Pensacola, Florida. While stationed near Alabama, he met his southern bell, Faye Sasser, at a dance in 1956. They were inseparable from that evening on. They married in February of 1958.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, he and Faye settled in Woodland Hills, California, where they welcomed four children: Michael Smith (Barbara Arnold), Mitchell Smith (deceased), Leslie Wilson (Steve), and Jason Smith (Melinda Merrill.)

Roger earned a Master’s of Education Administration and Supervision from San Fernando Valley State College in 1966. Afterward, he moved his young family to Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue additional education; there, he earned a Master's of Guidance and Counseling from Atlanta University. His education led to a long, gratifying career as a high school counselor, football coach, teacher, and principal in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He was beloved in this vocation and positively influenced many lives. Roger was an educator at heart and had a soft spot for those facing challenges. He worked diligently to elevate others from difficult circumstances using coaching skills, diplomacy, intuition, and a keen sense of humor.

Roger and Faye joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints early in their marriage, shaping their lives together and building life-long friendships. Roger’s time serving as Bishop of the Tarzana Ward was among the most cherished experiences in their lives. He and Faye also served as senior missionaries in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' Los Angeles Public & International Affairs office.

When not working in the LA school system or serving in numerous capacities within the church, Roger could be found with his family, in the outdoors hiking and fishing, cheering on the USC Trojans and the LA Dodgers, or just hanging with his buds.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, his son Mitchell, his brother Joel, and his in-laws, Hollis and Gladys Sasser. He is survived by his wife, children, four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his beloved sister Penelope (Penny), and nieces Robyn Smith (Niels Frenzen) and Juli Smith.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Tarzana Ward Chapel, 5520 Topeka Drive, Tarzana, California 91356. A viewing will be held on the same date and in the same location between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Those unable to attend may watch the service via Zoom. The webinar ID is 967 6878 2827.

A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, April 9, at 10:00 a.m. at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park near Camp Williams, at 17111 South Redwood Road, Bluffdale, Utah 84065.

Streaming of the graveside services will be available through Nelson Mortuary obituaries for those unable to attend. https://nelsonmortuary.com/obituaries/.

Flowers may be sent to Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary, 6909 Canoga Ave, Canoga Park, California 91303.