Leroy Smith, Sr., 85, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, transitioned peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, to be with the Lord. He was born on May 22, 1940, in West Virginia to Henry L. Smith and Mary Ware Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Jamesetta Delorise Smith, his sisters, Yvonne Anderson, Barbara Foster, Mary Smith, and Helen Givens.

Leroy graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1958 and later served his country in the Armed Services. Following his service, he began a long and dedicated career at Ford Motor Company in East Chicago Heights, Illinois, where he worked for more than 30 years before retiring and moving to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

For over 30 years, Leroy was a faithful member of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church in Hot Springs, where he served as Superintendent of Sunday School and as an Usher. Both he and his wife deeply loved their church home, their pastor, and their church family. He formed many close friendships there, including with Brother Ford, Brother Payne, Brother Jamerson, Pastor Blackmon, and the devoted deacons.

Leroy cherished time with his family and friends. Known as the life of the party, he loved telling jokes and always spoke his mind. He was a devoted husband to Jamesetta for 63 years and a loving father to his two sons.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Leroy Smith Jr. and Darryl (Tammy) Smith; 13 grandchildren, Keyona Smith, Antonio Smith, Jennifer Cardwell, Yekalo "Ke-Ke" Smith, Tiereney (Kenneth) Wilson, Leroy (Valencia) Smith III, Kasharri Smith, Dareney Jamesetta Smith, Tamera Smith, Darryl Smith Jr., Taylor Smith, Darren Smith, and Tamiyah Smith; and many great-grandchildren including Cortez, Lydazia, Teondre, Ashley, Cornelius Jr., Amiyah, Aleyah, Charles III, Christiana, Bailee, Giselle, Leroy IV, Kenzo, Nekko, and Narrell. His sisters, Vera (Henry) Pryor and Nancy (Kevin) Farr; his brothers, Henry "Tuddy" (Odell) Smith and Charles Smith; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Leroy Smith, Sr.'s legacy of love, laughter, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, 497 Crescent Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. The burial will follow at Belle Cemetery on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 pm.

You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.