Lance D. Smith

Lance D. Smith passed from this life into the eternal arms of our Lord on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Lance was a lifelong resident of the New Orleans area except for some years in The Woodlands, TX, where he attended middle school and junior high. After returning to Kenner he attended and graduated from Grace King High School. He had also attended Delgado Community College in the past few years. Lance is survived by his loving mother, dad and brother Robin & William (Bill) and Robert (Robbie) Smith of Kenner, LA; and his beautiful son, Jordan Dudley; and Jordan's mother, Jessica Dudley. Also mourning the loss are his Aunt and Uncle Sue and Stan St. Pierre of Franklin, TN, and their daughter Julie Gilder (Chris) and their family of Brentwood, TN; Aunt Dianne Kavanaugh (Eddie) of Prairieville, LA, and cousins Kevin Kavanaugh (Casey) of New Orleans, LA, and Kelley Angrisano (Paul) of Prairieville, LA, and their families; Aunt & Uncle and Godparents, Karen 'Nanny' and Armand 'Paran' Sinibaldi of Kenner, LA, and cousins Trey, Justin and Adam Sinibaldi; his Aunt and Uncle Lorie and Jason Colletti of Mobile, AL, and cousins Nicholas and Cara Colletti also of Mobile, AL. Lance's passing will also be mourned by Lance Gaulon 'Pops' of Metairie, LA, and by Joye Gaulon 'Grammy' of Mississippi. Preceding Lance's passing and awaiting him to welcome him home include his Maw Maw and Paw Paw, Robert (Bob) and Beverly (Bev) Klopf of New Orleans, LA; cousin Andre Michael Colletti of Mobile, AL, with whom Lance felt a special connection; Uncle Eddie Kavanaugh of Prairieville; Grandparents George Melvin (Mel) and Elizabeth Ella (Beth) Essington of Nampa, ID. Lance loved his family, working out with his brother, and getting together with his cousins and making them laugh. He enjoyed imitating the likes of Jim Carey in 'Pet Detective' and Tom Hanks in 'Forrest Gump.' He spent some time in Hollywood South as an extra in movies like 'Hot Pursuit' and 'Geostorm.' Lance loved the outdoors, whether at the beach or camping, and befriended every bug or animal he ever came across. Lance learned to appreciate the outdoors through his time in Boy Scouts where he attained the rank of Life Scout with Troop 204 in The Woodlands, TX. Lance's greatest loves, however, were Jesus, his mother and his son. Lance always kept his faith in Christ and believed he could work God's plan and help other people. His time spent as a Recovery Advocate at St. Christopher's in Baton Rouge, LA, brought him great purpose in life. He adored his mother and gave her 'ferocious' hugs in the final days of his life. Lance cherished the times he spent with his son, Jordan, and loved him with all his heart. Whether they were playing a game or snuggling and watching something on TV, they were clearly of one heart when together. Lance will be missed by many family and friends and his dog Phoenix that he adopted as a rescue. A private service was held Tuesday, September 18, at noon attended by close family and friends. It was officiated by Phil Jeansonne, Pastor of Vineyard Church of New Orleans. Music was provided by Ronnie Boudreaux (guitar and vocals) and Dwight Clement (organ). Lance loved the worship and services at Vineyard Church. Pallbearers for Lance were Robbie Smith, Trey Sinibaldi, Kevin Kavanaugh, Adam Sinibaldi, Justin Sinibaldi, and Nicholas Colletti. Interment immediately following services was held at Lake Lawn Park. Donations to NAMI New Orleans or St. Jude's Children Research Hospital are encouraged in lieu of flowers. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.