ST. CHARLES PARISH, LA.

Obituary For SMITH, HENRY A., JR.

Submitted By: Louis Lavedan

Source: H. C. Alexander Funeral Home, Norco, La.

Died Friday, September 9, 2011

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SMITH, HENRY A., JR.
April 27, 1929 - September 9, 2011

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Henry A. ("Buster"," Smitty") Smith, Jr. was born on April 27, 1929 and passed 
away peacefully on the morning of September 9, 2011 at the age of 82. 

Henry was a lifelong resident of his beloved St. Charles Parish. 

Henry is survived by his loving companion Cathy Montz; his two sons, Glen David 
Smith and his wife Marilyn, Gary Lyn Smith, Sr. and his wife Pam; three 
grandchildren, State Representative Gary Lyn Smith, Jr. and his wife Katherine, 
Rebecca Smith Tassin and her husband Justin, and Madison Elizabeth Smith; three 
great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Jane Tassin, Megan Elizabeth Tassin, and Henry 
Wilson Smith.

Henry loved people, politics and business. Widely respected for his views and 
experience, he was the consummate entrepreneur and self-made man. Having 
started numerous successful businesses throughout the River Parishes and the 
New Orleans region, Henry was well-known for his construction company of 25 
years, Fremin-Smith Services and in later years, the businesses he developed 
with his sons that he continued to work in until his passing. 
He was the nucleus and provided the guidance for the development of the 
Magnolia Companies, a multi-company conglomerate in the fields of construction, 
marine dredging, housing, disaster recovery, material sales, finance, real 
estate and consulting on a national basis. He was recently the driving force 
for the decision to locate the headquarters for the Magnolia Companies in St. 
Charles Parish. He was a problem solver and saw each situation as a chance to 
improve and develop his skills.

An active philanthropist, Henry's love of people was ever present in his 
attitude as he was always helping those who were in need. 
He was influential in the establishment of the G. Smith Motorsports Operation, 
who is solely responsible for many annual benefits to assist the less fortunate 
throughout the Gulf Coast. He especially enjoyed helping organizations such as 
Ursaline Academy, and was a founding member of the Mahalia Jackson Early 
Childhood for the Disadvantaged, Sacred Heart in Norco, First Baptist Church of 
Norco, as well as numerous other charities and organizations. 
He always believed in the spirit and generosity of mankind, and that everyone 
deserved a chance. He never met anyone he did not like, and likewise, was loved 
and respected by most who knew him. Henry always looked for the silver lining 
and was always reminding those around him that no matter what the situation, 
there were always two sides. He was the eternal optimist, and could make you 
believe that even yesterday could get better. His smile, kindness and sense of 
humor will live on in all of us.

Henry was proud to have been the longest serving member of the New Orleans 
Aviation Board, representing St. Charles Parish for over 26 years. In that 
time, he fought to make sure St. Charles Parish was equally represented 
including patrols by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's office. 
He served as Treasurer of the State Democratic Party, was an elected member to 
the Democratic State Central Committee representing St. Charles Parish for over 
20 years, was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Jerusalem Temple, where 
he enjoyed being part of the Shriner's Motorcycle unit. He was a past President 
of the River Parish Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Norco Civic Association. 
He was a Board Member for the St. James Bank and Trust and the First National 
Bank of St. Bernard. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean 
conflict and was a member of the American Legion. He was a founding member and 
past President of the New Orleans and River Region Chamber of Commerce and also 
served as a member of the State Board of Commerce and Industry. As a lifelong 
lover of music and dancing, he particularly enjoyed his time spent as a member 
of the local Oldies but Goodies Dance Club.
Henry's other great passion in life was politics. Having become active as a 
young man, Henry played an influential role over the last 60 years in numerous 
local, state and federal elections. Known by many as a yellow dog Democrat, he 
was well respected and fondly considered by all to be fair, honest and 
upstanding. He is credited by many to be their inspiration and mentor in the 
political and business worlds. He was always more interested in the merits of 
the debate and truly moving this area, state and country in the right 
direction. His philosophy was to do the most good for the greatest number of 
people.
Henry was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Donyce Jackson Smith, and his 
son Kirk Daniel Smith. He was also predeceased by his sister Pearl Messer and 
his brother Ronald Smith.
Visitation will be from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM Monday, September 12, 2011 and again 
on Tuesday, September 13, from 9:00 AM until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at 
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 401 Spruce Street, Norco, LA, with Father Terry 
Becnel, Celebrant. Graveside services will follow at Garden of Memories 
Cemetery, 4800 Airline Highway in Metairie, Louisiana. Funeral arrangements 
under the direction of H. C. Alexander Funeral Home, Norco, LA. In lieu of 
flowers, donations may be made to the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center 1515 
Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 in his name.

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