OBITUARY

Br. Lee “Pumpkin” Cleamon Smith Jr. departed this life on Saturday, December 26, 2020.   Lee was born in Ohatchee, Alabama on August 24, 1949 to the union of the late Mr. Lee Cleamon Smith Sr. and the late Mrs. Carrie Mae (Bell) Smith, both of whom preceded him in death.   “Pumpkin”, as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was a loving and kind man who loved life, and dedicated himself to his family and the service of others.  He was a graduate of Hobson City High School in Anniston, Alabama.  After high school, he relocated to Akron, Ohio.

Pumpkin was a lover of music.  He had a vast music collection.  He listened to everything from Gospel to Blues.  He enjoyed watching movies, especially Westerns.  He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as playing the game of checkers, baseball, and dominos.  He enjoyed going fishing, gardening, cooking, and working on cars.  His most beloved part of life was the time he was able to spend with his family.  He enjoyed getting together with his wife and close friends, where they would listen to music and reminisce about old times.

After marrying his wife in 2002, Lee “Pumpkin” cast his lot as a member of The Supreme Council of the House of Jacob, in Akron, Ohio on October 25, 2006.  He was not shy with his joy for the Lord.  He enjoyed the songs of Zion and hearing the preached Word.  He offered his talents by doing whatever his hands found to do.  He loved spending time fellow-shipping with the saints as they prepared meals for the church.  He was known for his infectious smile and laugh, and his devotion to his wife. You rarely saw one without the other.

Although, all of his family and friends were important to him, there were a few people whom he was especially close too: his uncle, Mr. Julius Smith; special friends,Mr. Artis Williams, Mr. William “Smokey” Easton, Mr. Cranston Edwards, Deacon Curtis Rutledge, Br. Solomon Kelson, Mr. Richard Baker, Mr. Bobby Baker and Mr. Lee Slaughter.  These men created a special brotherhood and bond that can never be broken.

Br. Smith was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mr. Lee Cleamon Smith Sr. and Mrs. Carrie Mae (Bell) Smith; sisters, Patricia Smith and Tina Twyman; and two children, Duane Griffin and Marvin Lee Griffin.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, St. Evangeline Smith; five Children, Ms. Francine Rene of Ohatchee, Alabama, Mr. Michael (Cherita) Griffin of Akron, Ohio, Mr. Lee Griffin of Akron, Ohio, Elderess Leondra (Elder Joel) Davis of Coshocton, Ohio, and Mr. David Williams of Akron, Ohio, 24 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; and  his first wife, Michelle (Willie) Vinson of Akron, Ohio. He also leaves to remember him 7 siblings,  Mr. Jimmy O’Dell Bell of Boston, MA, Mr. Willie C. Smith of Ohatchee, AL, Ms. Robbie Nell (Gregory) Miller of Gadsden, AL, Mr. Robert Neal Smith of Anniston, AL, Ms. Carolyn Ann Smith Ford of Anniston, AL, Mr. Dennis Marvin (Sharon) Smith of Knoxville, TN, and Ms. Keitha (Olando) Byers of Gadsden, AL; 7 step-brothers and sisters, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Whether you knew him as Bae, Dad, Pumpkin, Clem, Smitty, BlackJack, Treeboy, Lee, or Br. Smith, let’s cherish him; along with his laugh, his youthful moments, the way he helped others, the things he taught us, the treats he gave us, the fishing trips, the get-togethers, the laughter and his LOVE.  Let’s remember the one-liners he was so good at delivering, “Hey Babae” or “I’m doing better.”  Let’s us remember the movies we watched with him (as he slept), the trips to the store, the moments when he had that listening ear, and a hand to lend.  We all have some stories to tell about him; some memories that put smiles on our faces.  Let that be his memorial.  Let that be what heals, comforts, and strengthens our hearts. Br. Lee “Pumpkin” Cleamon Smith Jr. will be forever loved and forever missed by all those who knew him.