Obituary of Al Smith, Jr.

Francis “Al” Smith – Springdale – Funeral services for Francis “Al” Smith, 85, of Springdale, will be held at 12:00 PM, Monday, July 10, 2023, at Fellowship Baptist Church, 4238 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29072. Pastors Daniel Geddings and Don Bell will officiate. Burial, with US Army honors, will follow the service in Celestial Memorial Gardens, 3111 Delree Street in West Columbia. The family will greet friends from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM prior to the service at Fellowship Baptist Church.  

Al Smith passed away July 5, 2023. Born in Beaumont, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Francis A. and Mary Ellen Smith. Al graduated from Beaumont High School, and served his country in the U.S. Army. Upon moving to South Carolina, he worked for Allied Fibers for 38 ½ years. He met the love of his life, Annette, at work. Al was a prior member of the Sinclair Lodge, the Scottish Rite, the Jamil Shrine Temple, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He was well read, and loved to read his Bible. Al was a lover of animals and all sports, especially football. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church, and was a member of the Senior Men’s Sunday School Class. A lifetime hunter, Al enjoyed the camaraderie of hunting and was a lifetime member of the Mt. Pleasant Hunting Club, and Kitchens Mill Hunting Club, which is owned by his faithful friend, Ray Dyches. 

Al is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Annette M. Smith; daughter, Sharon Maple of Calabash, NC; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sisters, Frances Mathis of Beaumont, MS, Ellen O’Neal (Ed) of Petal, MS. Al is also survived by a number of loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Al was predeceased by his son, Francis Lynwood Smith. 

The family would like to thank Al’s doctor, Gregory Konduros, for his years of care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church.