Obituary for Lester Smith
Lester Smith was born April 7, 1952 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Lesico Smith and Pearline Brown. He transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on July 25, 2020 surrounded by his family at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo Ohio. He accepted Christ at an early age.
Lovingly nicknamed "Crisco", he grew up in Lewisville, Arkansas where he was known for being an exceptional basketball player. He joined the Navy in April 1972, serving two years during the Vietnam War. Lester was a long time member of the American Legion and was an AFSCME VIP. After serving in the military, Lester had the opportunity to join the United States Postal Service. He worked his way up the ranks to Postmaster and retired in 1997.
Lester was a loving father, grandfather and mentor to many with an unmatched sense of humor. He was selfless, willing to give his Last Two Dollars (his favorite song by Johnnie Taylor) to someone in need. He loved being a listening ear and always gave the best advice. He was very young at heart and enjoyed spending the day outdoors, listening to music, fellowshipping with friends and family.
Lester was blessed with a daughter, Candice, before marrying the love of his life, Carolyn Phenix in 1983. They were later blessed with a daughter, Jaleesa. Carolyn and Lester shared 25 years together until she preceded him in death in 2007.
Lester was predeceased by his mother, Pearline Brown, father, Lesico Smith, brothers Clarence Smith and Curtis Smith; Left to honor Lester and remember his love are his daughters Candice (Marshal) Bell of Toledo, OH and Jaleesa Smith of Cincinnati, OH; four grandchildren Alexis Rivers, Justin Wiggins, Marshal Bell Jr., and Zaire Smith-Jackson. Brother, Richard Smith of Lewisville Arkansas; Sisters, Berdia Mae Gulley of Dallas, TX, Margie Smith of Stamps, AR, and Martha Townsend of Little Rock, AR; Bonus daughter, Alicia Early; One goddaughter, Hea,ven Simmons; special niece Angelica Jackson; special friend Regina Henry and a host of other relatives and friends.
Lovingly nicknamed "Crisco", he grew up in Lewisville, Arkansas where he was known for being an exceptional basketball player. He joined the Navy in April 1972, serving two years during the Vietnam War. Lester was a long time member of the American Legion and was an AFSCME VIP. After serving in the military, Lester had the opportunity to join the United States Postal Service. He worked his way up the ranks to Postmaster and retired in 1997.
Lester was a loving father, grandfather and mentor to many with an unmatched sense of humor. He was selfless, willing to give his Last Two Dollars (his favorite song by Johnnie Taylor) to someone in need. He loved being a listening ear and always gave the best advice. He was very young at heart and enjoyed spending the day outdoors, listening to music, fellowshipping with friends and family.
Lester was blessed with a daughter, Candice, before marrying the love of his life, Carolyn Phenix in 1983. They were later blessed with a daughter, Jaleesa. Carolyn and Lester shared 25 years together until she preceded him in death in 2007.
Lester was predeceased by his mother, Pearline Brown, father, Lesico Smith, brothers Clarence Smith and Curtis Smith; Left to honor Lester and remember his love are his daughters Candice (Marshal) Bell of Toledo, OH and Jaleesa Smith of Cincinnati, OH; four grandchildren Alexis Rivers, Justin Wiggins, Marshal Bell Jr., and Zaire Smith-Jackson. Brother, Richard Smith of Lewisville Arkansas; Sisters, Berdia Mae Gulley of Dallas, TX, Margie Smith of Stamps, AR, and Martha Townsend of Little Rock, AR; Bonus daughter, Alicia Early; One goddaughter, Hea,ven Simmons; special niece Angelica Jackson; special friend Regina Henry and a host of other relatives and friends.