Christopher Erich Smith

Friends and family throughout Texas and Louisiana are mourning the loss of Christopher Erich Smith, also known as Chris, “Topher” or “Big Huck”, a beloved brother, son, grandson, Godfather, nephew, friend, DJ Announcer, and Systems Consultant. He died suddenly at the age of 31 on January 1, 2020 at his home in Kenner, Louisiana.

All who knew him overwhelmingly agree that he was always kind and willing to help whether the problem was related to technology or an issue of the heart. From a very young age, strangers could see his thoughtful nature. At 13 years old he was called upon by his parents, friends and teachers to fix their devices and adjust their attitudes towards the much-needed technology. He was always reassuring and always gentle regardless of the topic of conversation or need.

Chris provided service to his community and school. He was a Boy Scout, was recognized as Work Study Student of the Year at Brother Martin High School and volunteered at both the Young Men’s Christian Association and Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. When displaced by Hurricane Katrina, he wrote a Letter to the Editor in The Assumption Pioneer thanking the community, teachers and students at Assumption High School, in Napoleonville, Louisiana, for “taking him in” and wishing that all of those displaced were able to have an experience like his. He was thankful for their kindness; yet did not realize the impact that he had on that community.

Of course, his positive spirit continued into adulthood. After working for several years at ATT, he moved to Texas where he used his talents in technology and announcing for Graham Studios and Rockin’ Rodeo where he served the area and community via his encouraging messages and larger-than-life personality. Prior to his death, he was a Systems Consultant for BridgeNet Technology Consultants and continued to assist Graham Studios with IT support from afar.

Chris moved home to Louisiana in March of 2019 where he was able to spend precious time with his close family and friends. He is survived by his grandparents, Nancy "Nanny" Williams of Kenner and Walter and Norma Smith of Metairie; father, Eric Williams and "Second Mom", Jennifer Williams of Metairie; mother, Michelle de la Paz of Metairie; former stepfather, Raul de la Paz of New Orleans; sisters, Madison (Addison) and Morgan Williams, and brother, Carsten de la Paz. He is predeceased by his grandfather, Morris Williams.

Share your stories and memories on January 20, 2020 at St. Clement of Rome Church located at 4317 Richland Ave. #3027, Metairie, LA 70002. Visitation will be held at 2pm with a mass to follow at 4pm. The family will have a private interment at a later date.

For those located in the Texas area, a Memorial Gathering will be held at Rockin’ Rodeo, 4400 N Big Spring St, Midland, TX 79705 at 8pm on January 20, 2020.

Friends and family have asked if they can contribute to Christopher’s burial. For this reason, his uncle, Walter Smith, created the Christopher Smith Memorial Fund at Fidelity Bank, located at 3829 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, Louisiana 70002. All funds raised over and above the cost of the final burial will be donated to Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, direct donations to Children’s can be made on line, by phone, or mail https://www.chnola.org/chnola-giving/.

Arrangements entrusted to the Neptune Society of New Orleans