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BORN
1929
DIED
2020
Alva Smith Obituary
Alva Grady Smith age 90, passed away on January 2, 2020 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Mr. Smith was born to Reverend Elmer E. Smith and Clara Smith on May 1, 1929 in Chesbrough, Louisiana. After graduating High School he joined the U.S. Army. He fought in The Korean Conflict in an artillery unit. After leaving the war he went to work for United States Postal Service, retiring from there in 1986. He met the love of his life, Betty Higgins, at Laurel Heights Baptist Church they attended. Betty owned a Bookstore, Betty's Books, and Alva went to help her in 1986-2009.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by parents; stepmother, Iva Smith; sister Juanelle Ditmer. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty H. Smith; children, Terry Smith and wife Fran, Darrell Smith and wife Caroline; grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2020 at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd, Shreveport, LA.. Brother David Ratford will be officiating the service.
Special thanks to St. Joseph Hospice and caregiver Patsy Higgins and Frances Jordan for the love and care they gave him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Chester Farmer
January 6, 2020
It was an honor to know Grady. He always had a smile and a story to tell. I will miss his good natured jokes he used to tell. He loved to make folks smile.
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For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud
January 5, 2020
The Final Salute
Brothers and Sisters-in-Arms, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged Hand Salutes as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This Hand Salute is the last that we shall render to Alva Grady Smith our Brother-in-Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Alva. To Alva it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during the Korean War while serving in the U.S. Army. Alva, we commend you for your honorable military service. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true friend. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 781 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 177 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Alva's family and loved ones.
Sean Armstrong, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
Ranny Griffin, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
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