Leon Smith

William Leon Smith was born January 24, 1934 in the New Hope Community in Fayette County, Alabama.  He died at the age of 86 at his home surrounded by his family.
  

 Leon was preceded in death by his mother, Rachel Logan Smith; father, Coleman Smith and stepmother, Gaila Yerby Smith; brother, W.B. Smith and infant brother; stepbrothers, Jimmy Sisson and Michael Sisson; and first wife, Betty Hallman Smith; and infant grandchildren, Dana and Shane.
  

 He is survived by his wife, Ann M. Bigham Smith, his children, Louise Dean; Kenneth Smith (Denise); Beverly Williamson (Jim); Steve Smith (Renee’);Kelvin Smith (Amy); and Rachel Hughes (Barry); and his grandchildren Jake Dean; Keith Smith (Brittany); Andrew Smith; Cody Smith (SaraBeth); John Henry and Cole Williamson; Jamison Smith (Haley); Jordan Smith (Paige); Stephanie Savell (Christian); Cameron Resh (Michael); Brooke Snipes (Cody) Jennifer Rohrer (Jake); and Mason and Sam Hughes; and great grandchildren Khloe, Korbin & Knox Smith; Barrett and Bowen Rohrer; Georgia Snipes; and Emery and Easton Resh; his sister, Bertha Woods(Olan); stepsister, Ponzella Fowler; and stepbrother, Jerry Sisson and numerous nieces, nephews and a large extended family.
  

 Leon was a lifelong resident of the New Hope, New Lexington and Etteca communities. He graduated from Gorgas High School in 1954. He was a devoted member of New Hope Baptist Church.  He began farming with his father and brother and spent his working years farming—raising hogs, cattle, cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat.  He enjoyed all things agricultural, especially his garden, fruit trees and honey bees. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and instilled in his children a great love for the outdoors.
    

From an early age he worked hard and instilled this work ethic in his children.  As he slowed down in his later years, he poured that same energy into his family, making sure everyone felt loved and welcomed.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 11-A.M. from New Hope Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Boone Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, November 9, 2020 from 6-8 P.M. at New Hope Baptist Church.Bro. Ed Steelman and Bro. Brad Hartsfield will officiate.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Members of New Hope Baptist Church, nephew: Billy Rogers, neighbors and friends of Etteca and New Lexington communities, Amedysis Hospice, and Dr. Regina Harrell.

Active pallbearers will be grandsons: Jake Dean, Keith, Andrew and Cody Smith, Jamison and Jordan Smith, John Henry and Cole Williamson, Mason and Sam Hughes, Christian Savell and Michael Resh.

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