Today and in the days to come we mourn the loss of our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin, Mr. Lelas Chesley (L.C.) Smith, Jr. At 92, he has gone to be with his King and, though we rejoice in his home-going, we will miss the life he leaves behind- one of story-telling, singing, traveling, and of course, dancing.
Mr. Smith, a native of Gadsden, AL, graduated from Emma Sansom High School before serving our country in The United States Navy during World War II as a Shipfitter, 2nd Class. His service aboard the U.S.S. Tennessee was an experience about which he told many a tale- some tall but always enjoyed by all.
Mr. Smith was a lifetime member of Dwight Baptist Church, American Legion Post 46, Civitans, Kiwanis Club, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2760. In addition, he served as State Chairman of American Legion Baseball and, in 1986, retired as the City of Gadsden’s first Purchasing Agent.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Lelas Chesley Smith, Senior, and his wife of 56 years, Mary Nell Roberts Smith.
He is survived by his wife Jerrie Fuller Smith, three children: Chesley III (Debbie) Smith, Ella Ruth (Jerry) Stewart, and Richard (Kate) Smith, brother, Joe Flores (Janie) Smith, and cousins David (Cathy) Stringer, and Ella Sue Roberts. Mourning the loss of their Papa are his 6 grandchildren: Seth Stewart, Lynlee (Grant) Gilmer, Kristin (Alan) Skees, Josh Smith, Ches (Amy) Smith, and Andrew (Ashley) Smith, and 7 great-grandchildren. Late in life, L.C. also adopted into his heart 5 step-children who will miss him greatly: Linda (Howard) Smith, Wanda (Ronald) Peterson, Ricky (Kayla) Fuller, Dewayne (Gwen) Fuller. and Phyllis (Daryl) Farmer. In addition, a host of friends will no doubt miss his dancing, which he and his wife enjoyed several nights a week.
L.C. believed he had a civic duty to his city and so he loved the City of Gadsden. He believed one must fight to protect our freedoms and so he defended his country. He believed a man should work for the things in life and so he provided for his family. Mr. Smith believed in the Sovereignty of our Lord and so we rejoice in the promise of seeing him again one day.
To God be the Glory.
The service is being lovingly provided by Dr. R. Gary Ashley, and Dr. Jay Stewart. Visitation will be held at Collier-Butler Funeral Home October 24 from 11:00-12:30, with the service to follow at 12:30. Graveside service to follow at Forrest Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.
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