Leroy Smith's Obituary
Leroy "Baby" Smith was the third child born in Lake City, South Carolina to the late Samson Smith and
Mamie (nee Graham) Smith, on December 2, 1933, to this union were five children. "Baby" as
he was affectionally called, a name his Mother started calling him. A name that became is
nickname. Leroy attended Florence Public Schools in Florence, South Carolina, graduating from
Wilson High School in 1955. Leroy drove the school bus and played football playing #15 in the
position of Running Back and receiving a Lettermen's Jacket. He also was a great track runner.
There he met Elizabeth Brown. Leroy and Elizabeth were married in 1956.
Every year they would go back to attend the Class Reunions and the Homecoming Parades for
Wilson High School Tigers. A few of the classmates would get together every Valentine's Day in
Las Vegas. He was truly a Wilson Tiger, the "Purple & Gold.
In 1957 Leroy and a few classmates left South Carolina and headed to California. The men liked
and saw opportunities in California and sent for their wives.
He worked for The San Diego Country Club and Golf Course in Chula Vista, California for several
years as the head Chef, serving the then 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. He worked at
the Marine Base for a while. He also worked for Howard Taylor Dodge as a New Car Mechanic
for several years before going into business for himself as a Carpenter and Artist, drawing and
building cabinets, furniture and remodeling, etc... for over 40 years.
He was called a "Jack of All Trades" because he had many talents. His other hobbies were
playing in a baseball league, a bowling league and an artist and even taught art classes to
children in the neighborhood, he loved music, concerts and sightseeing in different cities, often
taking long drives and family outings.
He is preceded in death by his parents the late Samson Smith and Mamie Graham Smith, one
sister, Trumell Smith Johnson and three brothers: Rochell "Body" Smith, Samson "Sam" Smith
and Roosevelt "Mitt" Smith.
Leroy leaves to cherish his memories and good times, a loving and devoted wife Elizabeth of 64
years. Daughter, Freida Smith Robinson (San Diego, CA), Son, Raymond Leroy Smith (Los
Angeles, CA, Grandsons; Bryan Robinson II (Los Angeles, CA), Terrance Cannon (Melodie) of
Perry, Georgia. 4 Great-grandchildren; Ezekiel Cannon, Zion-Elizabeth Cannon, Blessed
Robinson, Cherish Robinson, God-Daughter Sandra Billops, Niece Rachel Hudson of Duluth,
Georgia, 2 Sister-In-Laws; Ruth B. Schultz (Mordecai), Doris Lockhart (Nathaniel) of Florence,
South Carolina, Brother-In-Laws; The Sensational Brown Brothers; Sam (Flora), Henry, Nathaniel
(Mary), Leonis "Billy"(Tomasina), George "Donnie" (Aquila) Brown of Florence, South Carolina,
nieces, great-nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Leroy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leroy?
Share a story where Leroy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leroy you’ll never forget.
How did Leroy make you smile?
