1Sg Smith

The heavens rejoiced at the announcement affirming the birth of Frank Smith and the subsequent commencement of his earthly quest towards the fulfillment of God's purpose for his life.
He was born to the parental stewardship of Lillian Graves Smith and Charles Smith on October 25, 1946 in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was formally educated in the public schools of Gulfport, Mississippi; graduating from 33rd Avenue High School in 1964.
A young man with a keen sense for the value of responsibility, he recognized the certainty of its relationship to a quality life and made a courageous decision to enlist in the United States Army. His enlistment commenced on June 4, 1964 as a Combat Engineer. His commitment in service to his country would span the course of twenty-two years, six months and twenty-seven days. He retired honorably on December 31, 1986.
Over the course of his military career his patriotic investments to his country were no less than priceless and professional. His decorations, medals, awards and commendations are a true testament to the exceptional and extraordinary soldier of which he was so highly esteemed. Among those awards earned, deserved, formally received and officially documented for record include but are not limited to the following: Bronze Star Medal / Purple Heart / Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters) Army Achievement Medal / Army Good Conduct Medal (Silver with 2 Loops) National Defense Medal / Vietnam Service Medal (1 Silver & 3 Bronze Silver Stars) Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (Palm) Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and an Expert Badge (Rifle).
Frank entered the highest union known to exist between a man and a woman when he married the love of his life; the inimitable Ms. Linda Gilbert. The two were married April 5, 1986. She was not only the love of his life but, he equally became the pleasure of her daily pursuit. Over the years, their union sustained the fulfilling product comprised of two personalities occupying one heart. To be certain, Frank embraced the fruit of God's greatest gift to a man when he found Linda Smith, his wife.
He discovered and embraced the highest union known to any man when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He united with Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church on January 17, 1999. Weeks later he would publicly affirm his commitment to living under the Lordship of Christ by following Him in baptism on February 7, 1999.
The seriousness of his profession and the substance of his pursuit of following Christ were undeniably witnessed in his service invested in the work of ministry. He did not permit his talents and skills to rust out after retiring from the Army as a Combat Engineer. He invested himself, his talents and skills as the business owner of "Smith Home Repairs." Through this business he served innumerable home owners, businesses, customers in throughout the city of Killeen and, members throughout the Body of Christ. His passionate interest in his work coupled with him being a man of impeccable integrity earned him the recognition and respect of being a no nonsense man. This was both complimented and commended by his honorary PhD in common sense.
The credibility of his commitment to others could be found in the consistency of his contributions to the Lord's church. He sacrificially invested himself in the work of evangelism as a driver in bus ministry. Through this ministry, he regularly transported those to the Gatesville Prison Ministry. He sacrificially served elders in the church by completing projects and renovations in their homes, at times without charge. There were no electrical or wood-working projects needed in the church which he would not and or did not engage in a spirit of excellence to completion.
His efforts to assure himself gainfully employed and persistently inclined on behalf of others remained throughout the progressive process of his health experiencing decline. His motto very simply put was, "Doing what I can while I can."
On the sunny afternoon of Saturday, March 19, 2016 Frank embraced the timely and triumphant call of His Lord to enter His eternal Presence. Among those preceding his deliverance from the shores of this earthly life are his Parents: Lillian Graves Smith and Charles Smith.
Among those who embrace the living hope emanating out of the certainty of a reunion at the imminent return of our Lord are his loving and devoted wife: Linda Smith, Killeen, Texas; Daughter: Monique Smith, Gulfport, MS.; Sons: Fredrick Smith, Gulfport, MS. Leroy Smith, Austin, TX, Roderick Smith Austin, TX and, Wendell Hyter, Huntsville, AL.; Sister: Odessa Brumfield, Gulfport, MS.; Brothers: Charles Smith, Gulfport, MS., L.C. Smith (Delores), Orlando, FL.; Special Cousin: Fred Smith (Pauline) Carson, CA; Special Niece: Carla M. Smith, Gulfport, MS.; Affectionately Adopted Daughter: Donica Minor; eleven grandchildren and a host of extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation

Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church
2901 Illinois Ave.
Killeen, TX  76542
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
11:00 a.m.

Service

Traditional

Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church
2901 Illinois Ave.
Killeen, TX  76542
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
12:00 Noon

Cemetery

Monroe Memorial Park
Gulfport, MS  39503

Memorial Contributions

American Cancer Society
1311 New Road
Waco, TX  76710