Leon C. Smith, Sr., age 94, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Thursday April 14, 2016.
Born in Franklin County, VA, he was the son of the late Harry Lee and Emma Ella Smith. Leon was a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy. He served in the U. S. Naval Reserves during the Korean War. He was an engineer on Liberty Ships during World War II. After returning to Portsmouth, he diligently worked at Suffolk Lumber Company and Saunders Supply, Chuckatuck, until his retirement in 2001 at the age of 81.
Leon served First Presbyterian as an Elder and Deacon. He was a choir member at Prentis Park Presbyterian before the merger of the two congregations.
Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years Burma N. Smith; children Teresa Roberts and wife Patricia, Leon C. Smith, Jr. and wife Christine, Carol S. Hammack and husband Jeff, Dr. James T. Roberts and wife Mary, Karen Shoaf and husband Bill; grandchildren, Jamie and fiancée Jody, Sarah, Jeremy and wife Sara, Ragan and husband Kimball, Lindsey and husband Ryan, Lee and fiancée Casey, Michael and wife Sarah, Kelly and husband Peter, Beth and husband Justin, Jon, Olivia; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers William W. Smith and Harry L. Smith, Jr.
A service at First Presbyterian Church will be conducted at 11 a.m., Monday April 18, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Burial with military honors will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Chesapeake. Dr. Steve Frazier will officiate.
On Sunday, April 17, the family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00 at Baker-Foster Funeral Home in Suffolk, VA. Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook and share memories at BakerFoster.com. Memorial donations may be made to Edmarc Hospice for Children at 516 London St. Portsmouth, VA 23704.