Obituary for Al Smith
Al Lynden Smith lived to the age of 85. He took his journey from earth to his heavenly home on Good Friday, March 29, 2024. Al was born on October 9, 1938 in Clermont, Florida to the late Hope Ernest and Cherrie Willie Smith. From this union, Al and his sister Belinda Ann were born. He was a “church boy” from the beginning as he grew up in the Church of God by Faith, Inc. where the “church-life” was always the focus.
He attended Clermont Primary School and later attended Eustis Vocational High School where he found his love for music and played the trumpet for the high school band. He was an avid learner with a photogenic memory and was always ahead of his time in all of his studies which led to his graduation at the age of 15 years old. He finished high school and was enrolled at the Florida A&M University where he was a member of The Marching 100.
Al’s great love for the things of God and God’s people, was evidenced by how he served in the ministry in many capacities over the years uniting him and his first bride of 35 years, Elouise Geiger Smith. This union would bore 5 children. Al would later marry Christine Smith in March of 2002.
He served the ministry for well over 40 years and touched the lives of countless men and women both in ministry and in his secular career. His secular careers resulted in his recruitment to the FBI Tampa office where he served with fidelity, bravery and integrity and retired after approximately 30 years.
Al was a brilliant, curious and kindhearted person. He was a terrific Dad and enthusiast for always learning. He cared deeply about education and made it a priority in all of our lives. He had many avid past times: reading, cooking, traveling, flying kites, and going to antique shops. His architecturally designed lawn and garden was his forte. He always kept his yard immaculate and would welcome conversations about any of his perennials. He loved listening to his sermons through his Keswick Radio station and loved listening to his music especially the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He was a lover of the arts and embellished his children in the world of opera, classical music as well jazz which has continued to be passed down to the younger generations. He was a mathematical genius and would challenge anyone with the most difficult mathematical questions where he would proudly show off his great talents.
Al cared deeply about the spiritual grounding of his family. This was evident by the continued biblical teachings and memorizations we looked forward to. He found other ways to continue to encourage growth and knowledge in the word of God including attending external biblical centers of learning. No one ate dinner until a bible verse was quoted and then explained. There was 100% participation in church as well as all programs involved including our most beloved Vacation Bible School to start off every summer right before our yearly summer vacation.
Al is survived by his current wife of 22 years Christine and her children: Elliott Reshard, Michell Johnson, and William Anderson, and a host of grands, great grands. And a great-great grand.
Al was formerly married to Elouise Geiger, the mother of their children: Antoinette – deceased (Dedrick) and their children Shelby, Benjamin, and Noah; Al, II (Patricia) and their children -Dannielle, Ashley, Al III, Breanna, Bryan, Jeremy, Nicholas, Gabrielle, Ian, Oksanna, Zachariah; Sophia (Richard) – and their child Auynha, Jennifer – and her children Sebastian, Jeremiah, and Jordan; Octavia – and her children Olivia, Eden, and Xander, and a host of grands and great grands.
He is also survived by a sister, Belinda Ann (Jeffery) Richardson and their children: Stacey, Jared, and Alexis and brother Dwayne (Carolyn) and their children Dwayne, Jr. and Ebony
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Previous Events
Lying in Repose
Sunday
7
Apr
3:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
1012 E. Line Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
Funeral Service
Sunday
7
Apr
4:00 PM
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
1012 E. Line Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
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