Leonard Ashley Smith

Leonard Ashley Smith Leonard Ashley Smith, 84, passed away on May 22, 2005 after a courageous battle with Lymphoma. Leonard was born in Winnfield, Louisiana. Following his college years at Louisiana State University and upon his ROTC graduation in 1940, he resigned his commission with the U.S. Army Infantry Reserve to enter the U.S. Air Corps Flying School as a flying cadet. He subsequently served in the China-Burma-India Theater where he flew numerous missions across the infamous “Hump”. Leonard spent the last days of World War II as a pilot evacuating overseas prisoners of war from Java, Indonesia and Thailand before the peace agreement was signed. He was awarded many decorations, including, the Distinguished Flying Cross. He returned to the U.S. in December, 1945. In January, 1946, Leonard married Mary Belle Ahlstrom. After working for the Civil Aeronautics Administration, he began his career as a corporate pilot in 1949. Leonard flew for several different companies before going to work for the Shary-Shivers Foundation in 1960. He served as Chief Pilot and Administrative Assistant for Governor Allan Shivers until his death in 1985. He continued in that capacity for Allan Shivers, Jr. until his retirement in the early 1990’s. Leonard was a Deacon at Hyde Park Baptist Church and a member of the Layman’s Sunday School Class. He was a Master Mason, a member of the Winnfield Masonic Lodge. He was a 33 degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Austin Scottish Rite Bodies, and a Shriner. Leonard took pride in his years of service as Trustee of the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. In 1989, Leonard was instrumental in establishing the Austin Scottish Rite Learning Center for Dyslexic Children. He served on the Board of Directors for many years. Leonard is survived by his wife, Mary Belle, son and wife, Steve and Pam Smith of Leander, son, David Smith of Austin, son and wife, Daniel and Linda Smith of Bastrop, 5 grandchildren, Matthew, Rachel, Ashley, Edward and Jared. He is also survived by his sister and husband, Elaine and Bill Poe of Winnfield, Louisiana. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Smith, Sr. and Ottis Smith, and one brother, Albert Smith, Jr. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on May 25, 2005 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel, with Dr. Ralph M. Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Austin Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Gordon Kelso, Bob Northcutt, George Smith, Carl Daly, Dan Gardner and Bruce Oliver. Honorary Pallbearers include Allan Shivers, Jr., Larry Richards, Don Long, Fremont Sheavley, Jim Hudnall, and the Members of the Layman’s Sunday School Bible Class. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, Texas 75219 or the Scottish Rite Children’s Learning Center, 207 West 18th St., Austin, Texas 78701. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com