Freddie Lawrence Smith was born January 16, 1935, to Brother Buddy and Mrs. Sallie Smith in Jonesville, Louisiana. He went to be with the Lord and joined his Dad and Momma and older brother, C. W., on April 30, 2014.
He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Nancy Hanks Smith of Lumberton; his children, Janci Smith Kimball and her husband, Thad; Craig Lawrence Smith and his wife, Susan; two step-children, Tammy Daniel and Danny Daniel and his wife, Tracy; ten grandchildren, Rhiannon Mize, Jordan Smith, Remi Kimball, Jacob Kimball, Joel Broker, Emily Broker, Robynn Broker, Christian Broker, Noah Daniel, and Gracie Daniel.
Freddie graduated from Louisiana Baptist College with a Bachelor of Music. He attended college on a Golf Scholarship. After a stint in the United States Army Ranger School, he completed his service time in the reserves. He graduated from New Orleans Baptist Seminary with a Masters in Conducting and a minor in Opera. He spent several years involved in the Beaumont Community Players and Beaumont Civic Opera. After forty-seven years as a full-time and part-time Church Choral Director, and seventeen years as Beginner Band Director, he retired in 2001.
Freddie lived a good life and has a lot of friends through his church ministry. We will miss his “Freddie” stories, his laughter, and his love for his family and friends.
A gathering of Mr. Smith’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2014, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2014, at First Baptist Church Loeb, 3082 Highway 96 South, Lumberton, with interment to follow at Ebenezer Cemetery, Colmesneil.
Memorial contributions for Mr. Smith may be made to First Baptist Loeb Music Ministry, 3082 Highway 96 South, Lumberton, Texas 77657 or to a charity of your choice.
