Obituaries: William Leonard Smith, 1947, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: June 5, 1947 Winn Parish Enterprise

Last Rites For W. L. Smith Held Sunday, June 1

Funeral services for William Leonard Smith, 82, a lifelong resident of Winn
and Grant Parishes, were held at the family residence in Winnfield Sunday
afternoon, June 1, at 2 o'clock, with the Rev. J. H. Mott, Rev. H. H. McBride,
and Rev. Alwin Stokes officiating.

A short service was held at the Big Creek Church near Pollock in Grant Parish. 
Judge Cas Moss, a lifelong friend of Mr. Smith, gave a short talk and
interment followed in the Big Creek Cemetery.

He died at the Baptist Hospital in Alexandria Saturday morning, May 31, after
an illness of several weeks.

Mr. Smith was born at Beech Creek in Winn Parish on July 29, 1864, and was the
youngest of nine children born to Harbin Smith and Annie Corley Smith.  At an
early age, he moved with his family to the Big Creek community near Pollock in
Grant Parish.

At the age of 18, Mr. Smith united with the Baptist Church at Big Creek and
was clerk of the church and Superintendent of the Sunday School for many
years.  After coming to Winnfield he joined the Baptist Church where he served
faithfully through the years.

On October 4, 1885 he was married to Miss Jane Lee and to them were born five
children, Albert Lee Smith, L. Houston Smith, James I. Smith of Winnfield,
Henry H. Smith of Monroe, and Mrs. A. L. Ladner of Ponchatoula.  He is also
survived by nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Forty-two years ago, the Smith family moved to Winnfield where he was
prominently connected with church and civic affairs.  Mr. Smith was employed
by the Louisiana Highway Commission for more than 30 years, retiring only a
few years before his death.

Twelve years ago Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Smith observed their golden wedding
anniversary with a large celebration.

Pallbearers were Miley Walsworth, W. R. Horton, Judge Cas Moss, J. F. Walker,
John Steen, and T. A. McKinney.