Freddie Lawrence Smith

Freddie will always have a special place in my heart. He encouraged and nurtured my musical talent when I was growing up. He made me feel special and I loved being around him. As I became an adult, he was my friend. One of my greatest pleasures was phoning him when I received my degree in piano performance at age 51!! He was so much a part of that foundation! Janci & Craig, I knew you only as young children but you are in my thoughts & prayers. In that last conversation, he could not help but brag on both of you!!

A Tribute to my Dad Freddie Smith 1/16/1935-4/30/2014
I am so proud to be my daddy's son. He has taught me to always accept people for the way they were, love them for the way they are, and encourage them for who they can be. I have always been amazed at his ability to connect with people and this comes from a genuine love for others. He LOVED meeting new people and he NEVER met a stranger. His desire was to leave others feeling better about themselves. He was an encourager and today, I am realizing that this legacy lives on even in his ten grandchildren.
I forever will cherish this man that I call daddy. My love for him continues to grow with each memory I recall. If I could tell him again today, I would say thank you daddy. Thank you for seeing the good in me. Thank you for being there every single day of my life. Thank you for bringing me into this world and for being the very best dad that a son could hope for. Thank you for letting me say it last....I love you more than you love me and don't you forget it!

...a good friend to all...play your trumpet loud and proud at the Pearly Gates, my friend!

What a wonderful portrait of our dear, dear friend! His smile was so engaging, completely captivating, and truly a reflection of his good nature and his sweet spirit. Hearing him sing in the quartet in "My Fair Lady" at BCP and seeing him beam with pleasure watching his lovely granddaughter steal the show in "Annie" are among our fond memories. How sad we are to lose our friend, but we rejoice in knowing he is with his Lord. With tears and prayers for his family in this sorrowful time. Love....pb

Craig, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

We were saddened to hear of Freddie's passing, but only because we know he will be greatly missed. We are confident that he is presently sitting at the feet of Jesus and that brings joy!

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We pray your memories will give you comfort as you grieve and that the knowledge that your dad/grandfather is with God brings you peace in the days ahead. God bless you all.
Love, Kathy, John, Ben, Nathan, and Luke Gonzalez

Nancy and family -- I cannot tell you how sorry Darlene and I are to learn of Freddie's passing. Freddie was truly a teacher, mentor, and servant. I cannot tell you how much my time with him at Wesley UMC as my mentor meant to me. He was a truly remarkable person. Darlene and I will miss him greatly. Our prayers are with you.

I remember Freddie very well when he was Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Dequincy, Louisiana. He always had a smile for everyone.