Born on November 4, 1936 in Alachua, FL to the late William Woodrow Smith and Nellie Lee Giddens she had been a resident of Tampa for more than 75 years.
She was the definition of southern hospitality. She never meet a stranger and always entertained family and friends, never failing to offer up something good to fill your belly and a glass of sweet tea to wash it down as soon as you walked through the door. You never left her house hungry or emptied handed. She will forever be remembered for making the BEST macaroni and cheese. Her fried bologna sandwiches were coveted and be sorely missed by many.
Lee doted on babies and with 18 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grand baby, remembering birthdays and graduations kept her busy. Many will fondly tell you of sitting on Grandma's knee while she sang that she loved them a bushel and a peck and hug around the neck. Her family was her whole world and you could spend countless hours talking with her about each of them.
Caring for others was not only Lee's specialty it was her profession as well. As a nurse for almost 50 years, she took pride in providing the best care she could to the sick and suffering, treating them like her family.
She was an avid Tampa Rays fan and on game nights you could pretty well guarantee that she was glued to the TV cheering them on or yelling at the coach for switching pitchers!
She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years Billy Ray; brothers, Sonny Smith and Dale Smith (Ellen); children and step-children, Butch Kight, Glenda (David) Moore, Sheila Ray, Rhonda (Greg) Mertz, Bill (Nancy) Ray, Andrew Ray, and Cindy (Michael) Woehlert.
Preceded in death by; sister, Corena; brother, Leroy; son, Steven; daughter, Debra; sister in law and best friend, Stella.
A kind, generous, loving soul her presence in the lives of many will be greatly missed, but her love will bloom in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday June 14th at 3:00 pm Blount & Curry Funeral Home MacDill
