Leslie M. Smith

He was a fighter from day one and that fighting spirit got him through many tough times in a well lived life.

After a courageous battle, he was taken from us way too soon on Friday, January 9th, 2026, in Fort Myers, FL. He left this earth holding his wife’s hand surrounded by love, family and friends (John & Sheila, Dawn, Murat & Ali, Wanda, Sharon, and Jim & Wally).

Leslie retired from IBM Corporation as a Business Development Executive after 33 years of service where he had a rewarding career that allowed him to travel worldwide and experience various cultures, political views, and economic/social differences. His responsibilities included leadership, marketing and sales within the constituent marketplace (American Indian, Asian, Black, LGBTQ, Hispanic and women-owned businesses).

While at IBM his volunteer work focused on developing programs that would give the disenfranchised and seniors easy access to computer technology across the United States. Leslie’s efforts were recognized by numerous awards for his innovation, creativity, and accomplishments.

Prior to joining IBM, he held an executive leadership role in the Future Product Development Division at ROLM Corporation. He was a US Army Veteran and served as a Washington, D.C. police officer. Leslie attended American University, majoring in Sociology. He also served on several boards and was a contributor to U.S. News and World Report. His passion was helping the underserved nationally and internationally. Leslie was awarded four Presidential Volunteer Service Awards (President Bush & President Obama, respectively) for his work in serving the underserved communities in the United States. IBM recognized Leslie by writing an article about his work with the American Indians and placing it on IBM’s Website-homepage – Living the Values. To read this article, please click on the following link:- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E2ZtAr-WrGkJwjva8ph298k_0Dq8E6Zx/view

Leslie served as SeniorNet’s (a national non-profit) Chairman of the Board from 2005 to 2015. He also served as SeniorNet’s CEO and Executive Director from 2015 to 2019.

Leslie was a loving husband to his wife and soul mate, Michele M. Smith. He was a devoted Father to Troy Smith (Lenore) and Kenny Smith (Charlette); Granddaddy to Tyler Smith, Travis Smith (Deja), Charlie Smith and Ian Smith. He was also a Great Granddad to Zane, Lennox and Nola Smith. He will also be remembered as a loyal Brother, funny, smart, and world-traveling Uncle Butch, grape-soda loving and Christmas conga dancing Uncle Leslie, cherished and loyal Friend and an encouraging, committed, and caring Mentor to many.

He is pre-deceased by his parents Thomas and Pauline (Lee) Smith as well as his baby brother Rodney L. Smith.

Favorite quotes that he lived by: “Love you more,” “Never throw the word love around. When you say it, mean it,” “Ain’t noth’in but a bean”, “Don’t put yourself in a situation that you cannot get out of”, “There is always someone that has less than you. Be kind and give back.”

“The world was a much better place with Leslie in it, and I cannot imagine a world without him” said, Josip, one of his mentees and friends.

His wife remembers him as someone who was larger than life, a superhero of sorts with a great heart who could make you laugh even if you did not want to. We were each other’s best friends and always had each other’s backs no matter what. He had the best, most genuine smile. And if he liked you, he would give you the shirt (usually a Tommy Bahama) off his back. If he loved you, look out because he was full of surprises to help family, friends, and those in need. He loved life and wanted more than anything to stay. His wife is committed to “loving life” to the fullest to remember and honor him always. Until we see each other again my Lovie… I will miss you all the days of my life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In his honor, please consider donating to one of his many favorite charities … St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital, World Central Kitchen, Southern Poverty Law Center, and The Barack Obama Foundation.