Lewis Smith

Lewis Smith “Smitty” was born April 11th, 1941 in Nashville Tennessee to the late Tilda Mae Smith and Lewis Starnes. Lewis attended the Nashville public school system prior to his enlistment into the United States Air Force in 1959. On October 10th, 1959, Lewis and Dorothy Louise Smith were united into Holy Matrimony in Nashville, Tennessee.

Lewis’ twenty-three military career included tours in Thailand, South Vietnam, Philippines and Okinawa Japan to name a few. Lewis had several duties and responsibilities while in the Air Force, but Life Support Systems was a focus in which he would soon become the Superintendent. His most challenging and rewarding tour of duty was in 1971 when he was selected to be a member of the United States Air Force Aerial Demonstration Team, the “Thunderbirds”. After serving for 23 years he retired as a Senior Master Sargent. After aimlessly wandering about in retirement he became frustrated and bored with nothing to do so he began working as a security guard with the Executive Security Company. In 1982 during the Culinary/Teamsters strike, Caesar’s Palace hired him to be a security guard on their property. In a short period of time he was promoted to Sergeant and soon after to assistant shift supervisor. He later retired from Caesar’s Palace in 1997.

One of Lewis’ greatest joys and passion was cooking for his family and church who he loved profoundly! Prime rib roast, barbeque, banana pudding, chest pies, collard greens and ambrosia were some of his specialties. It never had to be a special occasion in-order for him to cook a spread that was fit for a king! Lewis loved spending time on his computer working on his family tree and collecting and organizing the pictures that went with the names. Listening to Gospel music and Rhythm and Blues were also a favorite pastime of his. Lewis was Baptized at Abundant Life Second Day Adventist Church on the 28th day of February 2004. During his time here he served as the treasurer and cook. This is also where Lewis made some of his amazing friendships that will last forever!

On October 13, 2019, Lewis departed this life after a long and courageous battle with his illness. Left to cherish his memories include wife of sixty years, Dorothy Louise Smith, and their five children, the late Jeffrey Eugene Smith, Sharon Elaine Smith from Las Vegas, David Gregory Smith and wife Brittney from Las Vegas, Richard Douglas Smith and wife Makeba from Las Vegas and Kenny Maurice Smith and wife Mary from Colorado. He also leaves eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Brothers Freddy Smith and wife Jean from Nashville, TN, Thomas Smith and wife Beverly from Nashville, TN and sister Barbara Ann Smith from Nashville TN. He also leaves eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, six nephews, six nieces and a host of cousins and friends who he loved dearly!