This message is 12 years too late. And I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Irvin. Although I only met him once, it was a meeting I will remember for the rest of my life, and a story I have shared with many.

I was almost 16 years of age and I was sitting at the end of the driveway of my home in San Jose Manor. I was feeling pretty low for some reason - normal teenage blues. Soon thereafter, a young man, who looked like an angel to me with his sun kissed halo of glowing blonde curls, drove up to me on his bicycle and stopped.  His first words to me after hello were, “Do you know Jesus Christ as your savior?” My reply was, “I think so”. Irvin asked if he could pray the redemption prayer with me. Mesmerized by his “glow”, I accepted his invitation. He got off his bike and together we prayed in the street at the end of my driveway. He left me with a passage book and off he drove. I don’t think I ever saw Irvin again. Though to this day, 53 years later, I remember his name and tell the story of the cute boy named Irvin Smith who saved me for the first time. 

My deepest condolences to his family. He was taken from this earth much too soon. But not without leaving his mark.

❤️🙏🏽

Irving, I was unaware of your illness and had just noticed this website. John and Garry informed me of our passing. You will be missed. Best wishes to brother Dave and the family.

Greg Fagan
Ponte Vedra Beach

I remember Irvin from Landon Jr. High. Seems like he was always laughing about something.I saw him again when some of us Landon/Englewood classmates crashed Wolfson reunion. As I remembered from Jr.High, there he was laughing and having a great time. I know he will be missed.

My condolences to Irvin's family of your loss! Irvin and I graduated from Wolfson together. I can't begin to tell you what a kind and wonderful person he was, always smiling! He will be missed by all who knew him! Rest in peace my friend!

Title: Lift me up, Holy Spirit!
Author: Delbert Patrck Wai via the Hol Spirit!
(Chorus) 
Lift me up, Holy Spirit! Lift me up!
Lift me up, Holy Spirit! Lift me up!
Just give me Your strength to walk each day! 
For with You tis the only way!
Lift me up, Holy Spirit! Lift me Up!
Verse one:
Now there are times that we have wrestled along the way!
But don't fret none! For there is a brighter day!
Now Jesus said, that "I must leave you this day!
But, there is another on Hos way!
So turn your up towards heaven and pray!"
(Chorus)
Verse two:
So just come now and just, enter in!
Let His love give you pace within my friend!
So just give it up to Him! 
What has burned from deep within!
Lift me up, Holy Spirit! Lift me up!
Verse three:
By God's grace and His mercy, lift us up!
Let us come and drink from His loving cup!
Let's break bread and rejoice!
For we've made Jesus Christ our choice!
Lift us up, Holy Spirit! Lift us up!
Repeat last line three times and louder on last!

Since 1st Grade, I don't remember seeing Irvin without a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. What a great way to be remembered!

To the Smith Family, relatives, and friends: I was so sorry to hear about Irvin's Passing...My heart goes out to all of you....I'm glad I got to speak with him, and with some of you, on the phone a few times during these past few months...Irvin faced his illness with strength, courage, dignity and humility...He was kind and grateful to everyone....That was just like the Irvin I knew so many years ago....He also had a great sense of humor, enhanced by that big grin of his...He loved his family and friends, and was a great Son, Brother, Husband, and Father, despite all of the losses he endured...I will never forget how he and all of you welcomed me into your lives so many years ago.....Now you can rest Irvin...I can see you now up there with Kris and Melody and all your loved ones who went before...You will be greatly missed.....

On behalf of the Hudsons, Gouchnours, and McDonalds.....

My condolences to the Smith family.  I have not seen Irvin in many years, since around 1980.  I know that he will be missed.

To the Smith and Prescott family, friends and relatives:  I am very sorry to hear the news about Irvin.  As classmates from Hendricks Avenue Elementary, Landon Jr High, and Wolfson Sr High, we shared a few laughs through those years and beyond.  Irvin wrote in my yearbook:  “Mike, I've enjoyed attending school with you over the years, and hope that after high school I may see you every now and then also.  After you have made your fortune in the world, look me up and I'll help you spend it.  Your friend, Irvin Smith.”

To Irvin Smith, a man of quality and a great and powerful being of knowledge and wisdom -- we will all miss you terribly.

With much love and respect,

George Delves, Jr.

Irvin always had a big smile and we are all blessed to have known him. A friend of Irvin's had a friend for life. Look at all the people from Mrs. Woods first grade class that still care about Irvin and the whole Smith family. I'm sorry I can't be there to see him off on his next adventure with God. Danny Robbins

Daddy, you were a wonderful father, you were always there when I needed you, no matter what it was I needed and always there when I needed someone to talk to. You were a big part in helping me become the person I am today. I will always miss and love you, you will be forever in my heart.
  I love you daddy, 
 love, Lauren Smith

Irvin and I have been buddies since Mrs. Woods' first grade class at Hendricks Avenue.  We spent many an afternoon playing sandlot football and riding our bikes all over San Marco together.  He was such a great guy and I will miss him.  
RIP good buddy, David Elian

You were my first love and always will be.
I remember kingsley lake and creedence clearwater revival. will miss you dearly

love,
Scheryl Buie Strickland

hey mr. smith you where like another dad to me, and you are deeply missed!!! but even with you being sick you still made anyone smile that needed to smile! love always. Amy Holtz

We always loved the get togethers rehashing our childhood stories!  You will forever be missed!

Oh, Irvin, I'm so very sorry.  May God grant you strength at this terrible time.
With love, Joan Lovan LeClere

To the family and friends of Irvin, a long friend of mine from elementary school and beyond; please accept my deepest condolences for the passing of Irvin; I talked to Ronnie Thomas this morning and let him know also; we are all living near Tampa now. God Bless you all...Thanks--Ross Montgomery

Such a happy person. A laugh that would make you  laugh. We will miss you very much. Now you can make God  smile everyday. Love Bud & Dusty

OBITUARY

Irvin Cole Smith III

22 December, 1956 – 19 June, 2012

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