Lesslie Smith, Jr.

Msgt. Lesslie Gerald Smith, Jr., US Army, Retired, 76, passed away at Veterans Hospital in Jackson on June 7, 2012. Visitation is set for Friday, June 8th from 5-8 pm and Saturday from 9 am until the 10 am service at Quest Community Church. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories in Florence. \ Raised in Philadelphia, Mr. Smith had lived in Richland for the past 8 years coming from Harrisville. He is a member of Quest Community Church where he is an Elder and had received a past Layman of the Year award with the Church of God. A soldiers solder , he spent 6 years in the USAF, Retiring from the US Army with 27 years as a Msgt Medic. He was highly decorated including 3 Purple Hearts and a Silver Star. After retireement he worked as Health Director of Head Start, always caring for underprivileged children. He loved outdoors and gardening. \ He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Charlotte Smith of Richland; son, Byron S. (Lorrie) Smith of Richland; daughter, Jeriann (Rodney) Broom of Star; sisters, Marcella Langford of meridian and Maurice Wilson of Texas; grandchildren, Stephanie Martin, Samantha Smith, Amber Welch, Celeste Welch and Jessie Welch; and 4 great grandchildren.\