William Leroy Smith, 78, of Evadale, died Wednesday, January 2, 2013. He was born on October 29, 1934, in Weirgate, to Bessie May Ayers Smith and King Karo Smith. William was a United States Army veteran having served during the Korean War, and was a welder with Livingston Ship Building.
Survivors include his wife, Retha Lois Griffis Smith; daughters, Rebecca Jackson of Buna, Renee Coon, and Tonya Bland and her husband, Edgar, all of Evadale; stepdaughter, April Jackson of Buna; sons, Kevin Allen Smith, Justin Smith and his wife, Jullian, James Oliver, and Jason Smith, all of Evadale; stepson, Jessie Brandon Griffis of Evadale; thirteen grandchildren; seven great-grand children; and brother, Milton Smith and his wife, Johnnie Merle, of Evadale.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Frances Drawhorn; brothers, Weldon Smith and Kenneth Smith; and his previous wife, Melba Jean Smith.
A gathering of Mr. Smith’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 3, 2013, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2013, at the North End United Pentecostal Church, 41664 U. S. Highway 96 North, Evadale, with interment to follow at Bean Cemetery, Kirbyville.
