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Leland Smith Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Roanoke Times.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Linda Pulley Boswell
July 23, 2017
May You Rest in Peace Reverend Leland Smith. You were a very special part of my young life. I can't think you enough for guiding me in youth group and being my friend. I was sadden to learn of your death.
Lois Newman
April 7, 2016
Wishing you a happy hereafter with the Lord.
Melva
July 25, 2015
Happy Birthday Leland, I know it's wonderful there with your Jesus and loved ones!
Drake Durst
July 14, 2013
I knew Leland when I was a young boy, an acolyte at Olivet in Alexandria. Though my family left Va., Leland and I communicated thru mail thru his tour in Nam, Kinston, Henderson, and on thru to Wytheville. I tell everyone of my friend who was and always will be the epitome of goodness and kindness. I am well into my fifties and I cry and miss him so whenever I think of my special friend. I love him so! I hope he remembers me when I get to heaven.
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April 26, 2013
May you peacefully rest with 'Our Lord'
Mary G. Palmino - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Edmund Perona
December 17, 2012
Truly a wonderful man, filled with compassion and love. A great friend and teacher, forever in my heart as both inspiration and solace.
Franklin Wechsler
April 3, 2012
Just sitting here thinking of our times in school. Something I do every once in a while, gives me solace.
December 19, 2011
NEVER KNEW YOU, BUT, GOD BLESS YOU
HARRY W.
jurgen schneider
August 31, 2011
hello guys
June 12, 2011
May God with you always Linda
Engstrom
K D
December 10, 2010
JMJ
IN "JESUS'" ARMS,YOU ARE IN "DEVINE MERCY" !
GOD Bless,
kd
'
'
Victoria Coker
September 18, 2010
I never new this man but i God told me to find him nd pary for him and his family,as they are a very wonderful family and he ws a very wonderful Husband and Father. "GOD BLESS YOU ALL"
Melva
April 21, 2010
I didn't know Leland, but from what I have read about him, he had a beautiful spirit, was a wonderful family man, and leader, and worker in the church, and someone I would liked to have known....I know he is loved and missed by so many...
Memories sometimes, just don't seem to be enough...
Hugs,
Melva
walter froud
March 5, 2010
may god watch over all of us,as rev. leland, is watching all of us, with some help from above
Esther Moretz
January 19, 2010
I have never met Rev Leland but feel as I know him just by all I have read. I can see why he is loved and cherished. Although he has left this journey, he is very much alive and I pray that when I leave this world, I will get to know him in heaven. Thank You so very much, Heavens Gates for sharing this precious child of God to all. Peace & Light To all.
Adriana Brown
March 11, 2009
he sends his angels to you god bless your heart......
Ginger Stanley
February 22, 2009
Not only was Leland a wonderful rector, but I considered him a friend, because he treated me as such. What a wonderful, forth-right person he was. I feel so very blessed to have known him, and recieve spiritual guidance from him.
Lewis Johnson
February 4, 2009
Isn't it wonderful to know God and thus know that your brother Leland is with God in heaven.
Rose Marie
December 22, 2008
Thank you for this lovely site. It is a beautiful remembrance of your loved one! I am sending it on to family and friends, for their enjoyment. God bless you and bring you peace at Christmas and throughout the New Year.
LYNNE
August 25, 2008
THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND GOD BLESS. "HE" SENDS "HIS" ANGELS TO WATCH OVER YOU AND YOURS.
Beverly Hawkins
August 25, 2008
Johnny:
Just a remembrance for you about your brother. I know you still miss him but he has to be so proud of what you have done in remembrance of him.
Keep the faith,Johnny,as always!
MonaCherie Browning
August 24, 2008
God needed another angel, so he called upon his beautiful child, Leland. And this beautiful soul was never one to let God down, he watches over us all. the sweetest of all necturs couldn't come close to the sweetness God saw in you,Leland. See you later.
John T Smith
July 25, 2008
Happy Birthday in Heaven Leland. Thoughts of you on this special day.
Miss you.
Love, Johnny
Pat Bright
June 1, 2008
What a lovely tribute this website is for someone whom you cared so much about.
Jay & Tammy simms
February 7, 2008
were very sorry for your the lose of your brother & friend & to the rest of the family. he is in a better place now with no pain or sorrow. our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. take care, jay & tammy
Tina Pierce
January 21, 2008
Thank you for sharing some photos and memories of your brother, Leland. Beautiful job! I'm very sorry for your loss.
LYNNE CRISP
December 3, 2007
"GOD BLESS" YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES, MAY THIS CHRISTMAS BE THE MERRIEST OF ALL., REMEMBERING OUR BROTHER IS AT THE LORDS FEET.
Joyce Uhlik
December 3, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
marian sperber
December 2, 2007
It is an honor just reading about Leland..Thank you for sharing & God Bless You All...I am so sorry for such a great loss...but He was needed above...
Joan Annuzzi
December 2, 2007
I also am familier with the pain and the loss that all of you are feeling, losing a loved one is very difficult,the only Blessing is knowing that they are now with our Lord. God Bless.
Joan Annuzzi, Lady Lake, Fl.
Mary Ellen Johnson
December 2, 2007
John it's hard to believe it's been a year since you lost Leland. I love your memorial page for your brother.
Sue McEndree
December 2, 2007
May God comfort you at this sad time.
Vonne Taylor
December 2, 2007
On this first anniversary of your parting Loved One, May this comfort!
On a Blessed Day, We Shall All have
"A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE".
pat horn
December 2, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
renee sweet
September 8, 2007
your loss can never be explained but we all know the end
PETER MacKENZIE
July 22, 2007
I didn 't have the honor of personally meeting Leland, but heard of him from friends. I can empathize with his parish and friends as I lost my Father, also an Episcopal priest in 1961, and I still speak to him daily. He was deeply loved and is missed. As a Santa Claus portrayer, I use his advice in lovingly dealing with the children and families.
Denise Ploof
June 6, 2007
John, I am truly sorry about your loss of such a wonderful brother and friend. Know you are in my thoughts as the healing continues, but the memories of Leland live on forever. God Bless.
melissa acord
April 23, 2007
hi you dont know me but some how i do only through god .may you rest in peace.
Elizabeth Hyatt
April 18, 2007
I didn't know you personally, but I wished I did. May you rest with God and John my you find peace, knowing he is with God
Jewell McClanahan
April 18, 2007
My heart goes out to you and your family,and my prayers are with all of you.
I know we all wonder why this happen but remember,GOD know's best and he had his reason for it,
God Bless
Agnetha Larsson
April 6, 2007
Right now Leland also celebrate the easter as we do and remember John, you was the best brother he could have and I know some day you will meeting again. God bless you both.
Love Agnetha
Karen Beaulieu
April 4, 2007
John: may you know that Leland is in a place that is full of love and warmth. He will look over you and your family with love and guide you through this life that he shared with you on earth. Waiting patiently to again be with you when the time comes and oh the things that you will be able to tell him. Remember noone dies they just go to another plain and they are with us in memories .
Gail Vespa
March 30, 2007
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Lora Cox
February 17, 2007
Dear John, it's been so long since I paid you a visit and I'm so sorry about the loss of your brother. I remember when I lost my brother, you made a beautiful memorial page for him and me. I know your heart takes comfort in knowing, as I do, that we will meet our loved ones again someday.
God bless you John.
Lora
Barbara Suthers
February 14, 2007
I talked with Leland when his family moved to Wytheville. He had such a kind and gentle manner. Thank you for honoring him in such a beautiful way.
Suzanne Jor
February 3, 2007
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Lynne Crisp
January 31, 2007
I didn't know Leland, but i want to express my deepest sympathy for you and yours. Know he is with you always, and we will all meet again in heaven. Peace.
Marge A
January 28, 2007
I pray for each family member and for those were a part of Brother Leland Smith church family. I know it is hard to lose one that was so loved, but the best way to honor his memory is to carry on his work for the Lord. May God bless you all.
Cathryn
January 24, 2007
In God name I pray Leland watch over ALL who follow the Lord and shine his light and Blessing to every soul.
Ellen LeRoy
January 20, 2007
Leland taught me as a child, confirmed me as a teen, and married my husband and me when I was a woman. He was a shepherd who led me to be the Christian I am today. I was so blessed to have had him as an example and such a valuable part of my life.
Michael Roberson
January 19, 2007
Leland Smith was the most unique caring individual I have ever known. He not only touched my heart, but all of my families as well as many many friends. He cared about me like a father and guided me through the most hardest times of my life. Leland Smith was a wonderful pastor and he taught us all about life, bringing us closer to God, while never being anything other than a true gentlemen. I have weep alot since Lelands passing and I am so glad I was in Wytheville to celebrate Lelands life. As a member of Holy Innocents in Henderson NC, Lelands funeral not only reminded me of a good ole Leland service, but I could visably see that he had touched the lives of so many people other than me. Thank God that we were so lucky to be blessed with such a great man who loved us dearly!
Hunter Roberson
January 19, 2007
May we each get to know someone as special as Leland was. He brought joy to my life throughout my childhood and taught me the essentials of Christianity, through his actions, his lectures, and his loving words and hugs. Thank you for loving me so much, Leland. I love you too.
Pat Keen
January 13, 2007
My prayer is for GOD to give each of you comfort and peace in the loss of this wonderful man. I loved the pictures of him. They are a testament to much of his life. He is only gone in physical form but still here in all your hearts and wonderful memories. He now resides in a most wonderful place with our LORD. I pray each and every one of his family will be joined with him one day and with all of GOD'S children as his word clearly states!
Love you in CHRIST,
Pat Keen
Dorothy Gilmer
January 9, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
I didn't know Leland.BUT I know what your going through.and I will be praying for you.God Bless you. DOT.
Glenys Morrison
January 8, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,know Leland is with the Lord,waiting for the rest of you in heaven.
Trisha Townley
January 7, 2007
Dear John,
If Leland was any thing at all like you ...I would have loved him too !
My heart, thoughts and prayers are still with you my friend.
Hugs, Trisha
Etta Parks
January 4, 2007
I want to let you and your
family know my prayers are
with you all.I know you get
comfort from knowing He is
with our LORD now even though
i'm sure he will be missed.
God Bless you all and I will
continue to Pray for your family.
Darlene Khan
January 2, 2007
John and family,
Having lost my brother recently, I
can empathize with you. From what I have read, Leland was a wonderful, caring, Christian man.
You could not ask for more. You
know he will be waiting for you in
Heaven.
Blessings and Prayers,
Kaura Douglas
January 2, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Bruce Kennedy
January 1, 2007
I feel for all that are continuing to heal from the pain and the void when losing a loved one. GOD BLESS TO ALL!
Diane
January 1, 2007
~~"Happy Safe New 2007 Year"~~
May God Bless You & Your Family, I love this website, Thank-you for sending me updates on music, I love this kind of Music. Have A Great New Year!
Leo Gray
January 1, 2007
Eternal rest give unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May He rest in peace Amen.
GAIL LYALL
December 31, 2006
PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
ruth bruce
December 31, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Virgil Tongish
December 31, 2006
Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord,
let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed thru the mercy of God rest in peace.
Linda Nipper
December 30, 2006
Dear John & Family,
I lost my sweet mother this year and I know she is with our Lord and with your brother. We did not know each other in this life but I am sure we will know each other in the next. What a glorious Christmas they had being with the King of Kings and the Great I AM, May you find comfort in the great comforter.
A grateful follower of Heavens Gates (Diciple)
Leslie Kruk
December 30, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Esther Smith
December 30, 2006
John,I feel for your loss in a brother,but just remember we know where to find him again.I lost my husband in 2001,but was so happy to know where he was.He accepted Christ just 2 months before he went home to be with our Lord.Again, my condolences to you and your family.
Jane Clark
December 30, 2006
Dear John and Family
Remember, Leland is not dead.His body has just returned to Mother Earth,He is just asleep.When our Lord shall come again to gather HIS children home Leland will be with HIM, for He has told us in HIS words, that ''the DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST.I pray these words bring comfort to you and all your loved one.Blessings and prayers to you all.
LUTHER MOON
December 30, 2006
my deepest sympathy to you ,and the rest of the family . GOD BLESSE YOU,
Bobbie Meaders
December 30, 2006
JOHN I'VE LOVED YOUR SITE SINCE I FIRST RECIEVED IT BY E-MAIL. I DID NOT KNOW YOUR BROTHER BUT IF HE WAS ANY THING LIKE YOU, THEN HE WAS A WONDERFUL GOD FEARING MAN. PLEASE REMEMBER, DEATH IS BUT A DOOR WE ALL MUST PASS THROUGH TO GET INTO HEAVEN. LELAND IS THERE NOW AND IS AS HAPPY AS HE CAN BE.
MY HEART FELT SORROW AT YOUR LOSS.
mary estes
December 30, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Sondra Raymo
December 30, 2006
I really enjoyed the pictures...Thank you for sharing.
Rita Bilsland
December 30, 2006
My greatest sympathy on the loss of your brother.But he is in a better place now and with our
Lord.My prayers are with you and your family.
Phyllis Neubauer
December 30, 2006
I never had the pleasure of knowing Leland, but he was surely a blessing to all who did know him.
Deanie Mercer
December 30, 2006
I never had a chance to meet Leland in this life but am looking forward to doing so in Heaven. I can tell by his pictures that he was a man of God and lived his life in the service of God. What more can any of us do.
"Where, oh death, is your victory? Where, Oh death, is your sting? 1 Cor 15:55
Bobbie Spells
December 30, 2006
I am sorry I never met Leland but from looking at his picture,I bleieve every good word people have written about him,I will look foward to meeting him in Heaven.
Doris Ellis
December 30, 2006
John: Heavens-gate is such a wonderful place to visit. May God bless you and grant you peace, just knowing that your Brother is in Heaven with our Father.
June Johnson
December 30, 2006
To John and Linda and Family,
I did not know your brother Rev. Leland Smith. But I receive your
Heavens Gates pages. Your family has our deepest Sympathy. I am sorry for your loss. I know that Leland is up in Heaven surrounded by all the angels. And some day you will see him again. God Bless the entire family.
Regards,
Leland's Favorite Photo
December 30, 2006
Leland's Baby Picture (1946)
December 30, 2006
Johnny, Dad & Leland (3yrs 3mo)
December 30, 2006
Christmas pageant at Olivet (1953)
December 30, 2006
James @ Pat Conalty
December 29, 2006
I proably won't find the right words, but it has to come from my heart. Bless you and your family,God will let ya'll be together again,as i hope and pray that my wife and i will see our parents again. We miss them.
Laura Rogers
December 28, 2006
Leland was the most Christ-filled man I have ever known. He taught me so much just by his example. He seemed to effortlessly empart Christlike behavior in his dealing with us all. He was gentle, kind, everlastingly patient, and just so openly willing to be a vessel for the Lord to use. I just can't say enough about what he meant to me. He taught me what it meant to really be a true Christian.
Linda Cancilla
December 27, 2006
I've enclosed pictures of my brother, Leland, which I thought everyone might enjoy.
His life's work was working with children. One of the children had written a card to his wife that said, "Miss Jan. I'm sorry Leland is dead. But now he's with the Crocodile Hunter."
I thought to myself, Leland would have loved that. I can just hear him laughing if he read that. He would have loved the fact that he had reached this child and taught him that none of us really dies, but we go on to a better place.
I look forward to seeing my brother again someday and I'll be looking for the Crocodile Hunter too.
Leland and the church he served
December 27, 2006
December 27, 2006
Michael, their son, Leland, and wife Jan
December 27, 2006
Leland as a baby
December 27, 2006
John, Linda & Leland Smith
December 27, 2006
Jean Holmes
December 26, 2006
Jean Holmes- I am sorry for your loss but it is heavens gain
John T Smith
December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas Leland for your first Christmas in Heaven.
I always remember Leland when you and I and Linda were at the Smith cemetary in Abington when you seen a marker and said "I hope that will be on my marker".
I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me
the crown of righteousness
2 Timothy 4:7-8
A perfect description of your life dedicated to the Lord.
Merry Christmas Jesus
Merry Christmas Leland
Love, Johnny
Phillis Jackson
December 24, 2006
I had my first look at your Heaven's Gate tonight when a friend forwarded it to me. It was very special to me as my friend knew it would be. My husband of 34 years was diagnosed with leukemia in September, and this Christmas has been especially hard for him and for our family.I pray God's blessings on you this day.Savor the memories, hug your loved ones and hang on tight. This life is short, but eternity is awaiting us, and our God will help us get through the hard times.
clara hall
December 24, 2006
i know how you feel i lost my mother on august 27,2006 she was a loving wife mother and grandmother and she loved the
lord more then anything she is with him now im really sorry you lost your brother but just remeber he will never suffer again he is in heaven with my mommy
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