Leonard Roscoe Smith was born in Columbus, Ohio on March 4, 1939, to the Late Bishop Francis and Mother Natalie Smith. His early childhood rearing was in Columbus, Ohio until his father came to Akron, Ohio in 1951 to pastor First Apostolic Faith Church.

After graduating from South High School, he joined the Air Force getting an honorable discharge in 1963.

Leonard enjoyed bowling, jazz music and golfing. He even played the saxophone in a quartet. He was very fond of children. He was smart, funny and marched to the beat of his own drum being fiercely independent. He was loved by many, especially the kids.

Throughout his life, Leonard worked a variety of jobs in several cities due to him being knowledgeable in many areas. Leonard eventually relocated to Phoenix where he was a long-distance truck driver for KLLM for many years. He eventually returned to Akron,Ohio due to health issues.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents: Bishop Francis Leonard and Mother Natalie Smith; brothers, Philip, Franklin and Joseph Wayne Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memories to his three sons, Pastor Eugene (Sarah) Wilson, Bishop L. Neal (Lisa) Smith and Trevin (Natasha) Powell; one daughter, Tiffany Smith; one sister, Shirley (Bishop John) Hilton; several grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins.