Terry Duane Smith

Terry Duane Smith, 77, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 25, 2026, while surrounded by his loving family. While our hearts grieve his passing, we rejoice knowing he is now completely healed, experiencing the fullness of God’s glory. Born on January 18, 1949, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Terry was a man whose life was defined by unwavering faith, steadfast integrity, contagious joy, and an immeasurable love for his family and friends. From an early age, Terry marched to the beat of his own drum. While many boys spent their days playing traditional sports, Terry could often be found riding motorcycles and burning the rubber off minibikes. He was even a pilot as well as a scuba diver for several years. This fearless spirit and adventurous nature were traits that remained with him throughout his life. Terry graduated from Broadmoor High School in 1966 before attending Southeastern Louisiana University, where he earned his degree in 1971. He built a distinguished career in the construction industry. He began his career with Industrial Enterprises, Inc. in 1967 where he steadily rose through the ranks and eventually served as Vice-President of the company. Throughout his career, Terry was steadfastly supported by Pat Wheat, who served as a trusted assistant for 47 + years and faithful partner in the daily operations and growth of Industrial Enterprises, Inc. Their work relationship reflected Terry’s leadership style – built on loyalty, teamwork and mutual respect. Terry also worked side by side with his youngest daughter, Angela, for 14 years. Their father-daughter working relationship was just like Terry, a one-of-a-kind blessing. Terry was so proud of the 3 generations of Industrial Enterprises, Inc. In 1998, he proudly served as President of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors (AGC). A lifelong member of AGC, Terry became well known throughout the organization for delivering heartfelt invocations at meetings, conventions, and special events. His sincere walk with Christ and remarkable gift for prayer made him the person so many requested to lead them before the Lord. One of Terry’s greatest passions was recognizing and honoring others. He made it a point to acknowledge the wives and significant others of those in the construction industry, believing their sacrifices and support deserved to be celebrated just as much as the work itself. His kindness, humility, and servant’s heart left an enduring impact on countless lives. For approximately 70 years, the Smith and Stockstill families shared a treasured friendship that became a lifelong bond. Terry was a devoted lifetime member of Bethany Church, where praise, worship, and prayer were the foundation of his daily life. Above all else, Terry sought God’s will. His constant prayer was simple yet profound: “Lord, let it be Your plan and not mine.” He lived that prayer every day, faithfully trusting God’s direction until his final breath. Family meant everything to Terry. In 1970, he married the love of his life. Terry shared an extraordinary love story with his beautiful wife, Sandra, whom he cherished with all his heart. Married for 50 wonderful years, they built a life centered on faith, family, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another. Together they fulfilled many dreams, including building their dream home, traveling on memorable international adventures, dancing the jitterbug to their favorite songs, and creating a home that warmly welcomed family and friends for countless gatherings and celebrations. Sandra was Terry’s greatest earthly blessing. He was captivated not only by her beauty but also by the kindness, grace, and radiant spirit she shared with everyone she met. She was truly a bright ray of sunshine whose love touched the lives of her husband, daughters, grandchildren, and all who knew her. Together, Terry and Sandra shared a deep Christian faith, faithfully serving the Lord and demonstrating His love through their marriage and the way they lived each day. Their relationship was a beautiful example of enduring love, steadfast commitment, and God’s faithfulness. Although Sandra preceded Terry in death, the love they shared never faded, and their legacy of faith, family, and unconditional love will continue to inspire generations to come. Terry treasured every moment with his three daughters. He embraced every opportunity to encourage them, support them, and simply enjoy life together. Whether it was taking memorable trips, sharing father-daughter shopping adventures, or being there at a moment’s notice whenever they needed him, his love was unconditional. He never hesitated to put his family first, and his daughters always knew they could count on him. Terry was the very definition of a devoted father. More importantly, he was a godly man who faithfully loved the Lord. He didn’t just teach his daughters about faith—he lived it each day. Through his example of integrity, compassion, humility, and unwavering trust in God, he showed them what it means to walk with Christ. His legacy of faith, love, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of his three girls. One of Terry’s greatest joys in life was being “Gramps” to his three grandchildren and, more recently, “Gimps” to his precious great-granddaughter. His grandchildren were truly the light of his life, and nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than being with them. He faithfully attended their tennis matches, baseball games, basketball games, soccer games, school activities, and art shows, always cheering them on with unwavering pride and encouragement. Terry treasured every opportunity to be present, creating memories that will forever be cherished. His grandchildren adored their Gramps and often preferred spending time with him because of his warm heart, playful spirit, and unconditional love. Terry considered each of them one of God’s greatest blessings, and the love they shared was a beautiful gift that enriched all of their lives. Terry also shared an extraordinary relationship with his father, Dwight Smith. They were not only father and son but best friends. Together they worked side by side and faithfully ran at least three miles every morning before beginning their workday. In 1999, Terry and Dwight made history as the first father-son basketball duo playing together in the National Senior Games. In 2023, Terry was part of a remarkable family milestone at the National Senior Games. Alongside his daughter, Christi and his father, Dwight, they became the first known three-generation family in history to compete in the National Senior Games. Terry and Christi earned a medal in mixed doubles pickleball, while Dwight brought home a medal in basketball. Their participation reflected the Smith family’s enduring legacy of faith, fitness, competition, and the special bond they shared across three generations. Terry had a special connection with his daughter Candy “Sis”, who in many ways was a mini-version of himself with their outgoing and fun-loving personality and their tender hearts. They can both talk to anybody and make them feel good and listened to. Terry passed down to “Sis” his ability to speak to crowds and as Candy says “Dad, you taught me that”. Terry had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever he went. Whether family, coworkers, neighbors, or complete strangers, everyone who crossed his path was better for having known him. His spontaneous adventures, quick wit, generous heart, and joyful spirit made every gathering memorable. Blessed to have five generations: Terry is survived by his father, Dwight Smith; his sister, Karen Smith Arbour; his daughters, Christi Smith Daigle (Larry Daigle), Candice Smith Carr, and Angela Nicole Smith; his beloved companion, Robin Loupe; his grandchildren, Brennen Harley Carr, Brianna Laurelle Daigle, and Gabriel Smith Daigle; and his precious great-granddaughter, Eden Laurelle Browning. He also leaves behind countless extended family members, lifelong friends, and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and love of his life for 50 years, Sandra Theriot Smith. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Ivonia Geurin Smith, who would fight a circle saw for him. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Greenoaks Funeral Home, followed by a remembrance of Terry’s life at 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Larry Daigle, Brennen Harley Carr, Gabriel Smith Daigle, Joe Atol, Darren Arbour, Jared Browning, and Trey Bowman. Honorary Pallbearers will be Hank Henagan, Barry Jenkins, David Bowman, Blaine Efferson, and Jackie Rome. There is no doubt where Terry is today. He faithfully sought God’s way rather than his own, and on Saturday, July 25, 2026, God graciously answered the desire of his heart. Terry stepped from this earthly life straight into the presence and glory of his Savior. He has run his race. He has finished his course. And today, we rejoice knowing he is hearing the words from his Heavenly Father: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Bethany Church or to the church of your choice, in honor of Terry’s lifelong commitment to faith and sharing the love of Christ.