Leonard “Smitty” Vaughn Smith, Jr., 72, of Houston, Texas entered into rest on May 2, 2019. He was born in Conway, South Carolina on January 19, 1947 to parents Leonard Vaughn Smith, Sr. and Audrey Lee Huggins Smith. He was a graduate of Aynor High School and went on to marry Reiko M. Smith, with whom he spent 51 blessed years.
Leonard was a proud veteran of the United States Army and enlisted at the age of 19. He dutifully served his country for almost 6 years, during which time he earned a Good Conduct Medal, and was honorably discharged by a grateful nation for his service in 1972. Following his career in the military, he worked in the Air Freight Industry as a business owner. Leonard was a dedicated member of the Blinded Veterans Association – of which he served as president for several years - and was passionate about serving and honoring his brothers in arms.
In Aynor, he was raised to appreciate the fine arts of hunting and fishing, and loved any excuse to get into the great outdoors. Little could compare to feel the sunlight on his skin and the smell of crisp air, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Leonard could often be found out on lakes with his favorite rod or sitting around a campfire with his son and grandchildren, telling stories and teaching them about the beauty of the world around them. His family meant everything to him and he cherished any opportunity to spend time with his beloved grandchildren, Alec and Kindahl. He was their biggest supporter and could always be found cheering the loudest at their ball games, award presentations, and choir recitals.
He is survived by his wife, Reiko; son, Donald Smith; grandchildren, Alec Smith and Kindahl Smith; sister, Martha Darnell and husband James; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by his parents, Leonard Vaughn Smith, Sr. and Audrey Lee Smith, and his younger brother Neal Smith.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. inside the Chapel of American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 70038, after which he will be escorted to the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038, where he will be laid to rest with military honors. Following the service, the family would like to invite his friends and loved ones to a catered reception held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. inside the Magnolia Room of American Heritage Funeral Home.
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