Roll Call Tribute

Zapata Funeral Home - Paducah obituary
904 North 13th Street
P.O. Box 728
Paducah, Texas 79248
Phone: 806 492-2333

B.L. Jr. Smith
July 04, 1923 - April 05, 2018

Benjamin Lennis Smith, Jr. (better known as B.L.) passed away April 5, 2018 leaving a legacy of love and service to family, friends, his church and community.
Following his birth on July 4, 1923 in Shattuck, Oklahoma to Cleta Floy Oates Smith and Benjamin Lennis Smith, his parents brought him to their Ogden Community home near Paducah. He graduated from Paducah High School in May 1939 and Texas A&M In January 1943.
He joined the army the day after graduation from A&M went directly to Officer Candidate School. He married the love of his life, Avis Ann Boyle, on June 26, 1943. He served in the army for three and a half years as a liaison pilot in the South Pacific and was discharged with the rank of Captain following return to states in 1946.
He returned to Cottle County and began his life long career as a farmer and rancher. He is remembered for his commitment to serve others for the betterment of his community, serving many years as Deacon and Elder of the First Christian Church and charter member of its building committee. He served on the Food Locker Board, Paducah School Board, Water Board, Co-op Gin Board,Rural Electricity Association Board, and local and regional Boards of the Farm Credit Association. Later in life he began service on the Board of the Farm Credit
Bank of Texas that covered a multi-state area and was Chairman for four years
He was a 50 year member and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and a 32nd Degree Mason. He also was a member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, S.J., U.S.A.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Avis Ann; His parents, Cleta and Lennis Smith; one brother, Marvin Smith; two sisters, Vaneta Smith and Maureen Smith Stalls and nephew Ted Smith; and his dear companion of 12 years, Letha Mudd.
He is survived by his four children: Avis Smith Fortado and husband Mike Fortado of Dallas, Dr. Benjamin Lennis Smith, III and his wife Ellen of Denton, Marilyn Smith Richards and husband Phil Richards of Denton, Laura Smith Jeter and husband Waylon Jeter of Dallas.
Grandchildren: Michael Scott Fortado and wife, Laura; Angela Avis Fortado Buchen and husband Eric; Shannon Fortado Castans and husband, John; Brandon Lennis Smith and wife Pacia; Cassie Smith Matthews and husband, Matt; Stephen Reagan Richards; Andrea Richards James and husband, Carl; Waylon Ryan Jeter and wife, Marlea; Meredith Jeter Bibb, Benjamin Luke Jeter. Great Grandchildren: Michael Fortado and wife, Danielle, Matthew and Elizabeth Fortado; Blake, Emily Avis and Grace Buchen; Connor, Jack and Caroline Castans; Vivian, Bridget and Hannah Matthews; Bliss James ; Hudson and Hope Bibb and Reece Jeter.
He is survived by brother Mike Smith and wife Jenny of Wheeler and daughters Robyn Cook, Kristin Smith-Crowe and Lacey Guillen. He is also survived by nephew Randy Stalls and nieces Shelley Smith Austin, Carol Smith, Teressa Schulte and Konye Guthrie and many other precious extended family members and dear friends.
The family will forever be grateful to Harris Hospice and Avalon Homes for their loving care of B.L. over the past three years.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday, April 10 at the Zapata Funeral home, 904 North 13th Street, Paducah, Texas. Celebration of life services will be Wednesday, April 11 at 11:00 am at the First Christian Church, 1902 Zula, Paducah, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the First Christian Church P.O. Box 490, Paducah, Texas or the Paducah Cemetery Fund.


SERVICES

Visitation
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Zapata Funeral Home - Paducah
904 North 13th Street
Paducah, Texas 79248


Interment
Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Garden of Memories Cemetery

Paducah, TX


Funeral Service
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
11:00 AM

First Christian Church

Paducah, TX