Collin Francis Smith, III, 83, was a native of New Iberia and a resident of Delcambre for the past 46 years. He passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, July 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, after courageously battling an aggressive form of cancer for the past 10 months.
He was born on February 10, 1943, to the late Collin Smith, Jr. and Myrtle Norris Smith.
Collin was a hardworking man whose strong work ethic defined much of his life. He began and concluded his career as an air conditioning repairman, but throughout the years he wore many hats. He worked in the oilfield industry, a concrete truck driver, a tree trimmer, and in refrigeration service for Coca-Cola. There was very little Collin couldn't repair, build, or figure out. Family and friends knew that if something was broken, all it took was a call to Collin, and he would find a way to fix it.
A devout Catholic, Collin lived his faith through service to others. During the last several years of his life, he found great purpose volunteering at Consolata Nursing Home, where he faithfully assisted and befriended the retired priests. His kindness, compassion, and quiet generosity touched many lives.
Above all, Collin cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loved one who could always be counted on for guidance, support, and a helping hand. His wisdom, strength, and willingness to put others before himself will be deeply missed. The family takes comfort in knowing that his legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in those who knew him. There will forever be moments when they wish they could simply call Dad one more time for help, advice, or reassurance.
Collin leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories and an example of unwavering faith, hard work, and selfless love. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.
May he rest in the peace of Christ, whom he faithfully served throughout his life.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Merza Tabor Smith, or as he frequently liked to refer to her as “his first wife”; one son, David Smith and wife Denise Babin Smith, four daughters, Betty S. Romero and husband Kirt, Debbie S. Pitre and husband Shaun, Tracy S. Floris and husband Timmy, and Kelly Smith and partner Blake Gooch; nine grandchildren, Johnathan Smith, Jacob Smith, Damian Romero (Morgan Lacour), Shelbi Ransonet (Carson), Manning Lacy Pitre, Molly Floris, Brody Floris, Lacy Trosclair (Erick), and Ian Dugas, and eleven great grandchild, Jaden, Jacie, Jax, Anne Marie, Jansen, Kinsley, Grayson, Thomas, Clara, Camille and Audrey; his lifelong friends, Charline and Raymond Kimbrel and family and James and Betty Jo Meredith and family.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his siblings, Sidney Smith and Pamela Smith Jude and two grandsons, Justin Smith and Derek Romero.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Thomas Voorhies and Fr. Buddy Breaux officiating. Shelbi Ransonet and Molly Floris will be the lectures for the Mass. Following the Mass, he will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday at Evangeline Funeral Home in Delcambre from 4:00 pm until 8:00pm with a Rosary at 6:00 pm by the Knights of Columbus. The funeral home will reopen at 10:00 am until 12:30 pm on Thursday.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Damian Romero, Brody Floris, Ian Dugas, Jaden Smith, Erick Trosclair and Carson Ransonet. Manning Lacy Pitre, Johnathan Smith and Jacob Smith are honorary pallbearers.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories and view the movie presentation by visiting his memorial at www.evangelinedelcambre.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
