Mr. Matthew "Chewy" Paul Smith

To CHEWY, I will always remember you as a young man who was willing to learn everything about wrestling. You were so eager and wanted to prove yourself among the best even without the experience. You were strong, fun loving, and always quick to brighten up the moment when we all needed it the most. You were a necessary part of OUR JOHN CURTIS WRESTLING TEAM and I will NEVER FORGET YOU. I am honored to have welcomed you to the family, trained with you, and enjoyed the precious moments that we were a part of forever. One day in the future we will all make that road trip with you: Tony, Shane, Danny, Chris, Eddie, Calvin, and myself to the Big Tournament in which we will rejoice again as brothers on that big blue, hard as a rock, wrestling mat. To Stephanie and family, I only regret that I did not find out sooner about Chewy's untimely departure from this world. He was such a memorable person to me and I am saddened that I found out months later. You will all be in my prayers and I hope that if I ever have a son, he will have the same light and energy that Matt had in his short time. Sincerely, Steven James Wilson, Jr.

Chewy thank you for being a friend, we had some good times. We lost touch for a little while so I got online to see how your MMA career was going and saw all of this. See you on the other side.

Mr. Al, Ms. Debbie, Alvin and Stephanie,

I do not know the words to say. I think about your family often and wonder how you're doing. I am so sorry to read about Matthew's passing. I will always remember Matthew as a lovable young boy who wanted to be with his sister and who loved animals. I'll never forget our trip to KS and our times together. Your family was and still is so special to me. I pray for your stregnth and comfort in the days ahead. Each of you will be in my thoughts and prayers forever.

Love,
Christine Hollier Zaner

May God bless your family with wonderful memories of your precious son Matthew. Of course he will always be "Chewy" to me. He was always wiser beyond his years and we had so many talks about life, God and how much he loved his family. I find myself on a daily basis thinking of him, wondering why? I wish I could have reached him. There are days when I feel his presence and I smile. He touched many kids lives when he was at OLDP's youth group. He was the first one to welcome someone new and would make that kid feel like they were meant to be there. He had a GIFT. He drew people in and touched their hearts, including mine. Many times my kids used to say, "Mom, you love Chewy more than us," when I would complain about how they were acting lazy. Chewy worked hard and always gave 110%. I admired his discipline to go after things, even when it seemed hard. You raised an amazing son. I miss him dearly, and I know you miss him more. My prayers are for all of you during this tough time. Please know that I pray for you daily. God bless You!

I still think of you often. Chewy was a good friend for 12 yrs & always enjoyed his company. What an honor to have so many great memories!
Mrs Debbie, Mr Al, Alvin & Stephanie, you are still in my prayers!

Chewy you were a great friend and I have known you for a long time. School, work, and friendship. You always made everyone laugh and smile you would always bring joy in people life. You were the most honest person I have ever met. I have always admired your hard work ethic. I thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mo's will never be the same without you man. Love ya

Dear Stephanie, My deepest condolences are with you and your entire family at this time. Know that you are constantly being remembered in my prayers. Hopefully you will find some comfort and strength in the knowledge that there are many people remembering you and your family in their prayers and that this knowledge will give you the necessary strength that you will need to get through the bad times. May God Be With You and Bless You Always.

Your family is in our prayers.

Dear Smith Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ray Albert (New Orleans, LA).

Debbie, Al, Alvin and Stephanie,
There are no words that could possibly take away the pain you must be feeling at this time. I only hope that you will find peace in your memories of your wonderful son and brother. Please call on me for anything that I can do to be of help to you at any time.
Pat Guillory

To Al Sr. & family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
"Moonpie" (Robert McElreath) & Hope Zamora

We feel like we lost part of our family on Sunday morning. Ms. Debbie, as a mother I cannot even begin to imagine the pain you are feeling, I just wish I could take it away so you didn't have to feel it. Stephanie, I know Matt was so much more than a brother, he was your best friend, too. That is something that few people get to experience with their sibling. Mr Al, I know that he was your hunting and fishing buddy and it was wonderful to have a son that you could share all of that with. Our hearts and prayers go out to you over the next several hard days, months, and years. We are always here for you all no matter what, just a phone call away! We love you!!!

Chewy was an inspiration to many. He will be greatly missed! RIP

Chewy,
You were an incredible athlete, fierce competitor and even better friend. I will always appreciate the great times we shared together. Sadly, our times have come to an end and for this I will miss you, but never forget you. You always found a way to touch people in a way that would bring out the best in them, and not allow them to ever forget you. I truly believe you have a greater purpose, and this is why I can smile knowing that your duties haven't ended, but are just needed at a higher level.
Your Friend,
Roy Fiegenschue

To the Smith family...
My deepest regards, Chewy will be missed by many. He brought a lot of joy to the Ruttley family.

Chewy, you were the most amazing person to be around. I'm thankful to have been a part of your life as your friend. We will all miss you so much. The Smith family is in my prayers. Love you Chewy

I was so saddened to hear of Matt's passing. I met him last December when he sold me my very first car. Matt took his time explaining everything and was so professional. He was so patient and helpful. I know the Paretti family will miss him so much as he was a great salesman. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this most difficult time.

Shannon Duplantis

Sending my condolences and praying for strength for your family.

Melissa Venture and Family

“May the road rise up to meet
you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon
your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet
again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

Stephanie my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family. I am very sorry for your loss.
Kerry Mullin

I met Matt for the first time at Paretti Mazda last week. He was the nicest most professional and helpful salesman i have ever met. I was so proud that i had actually purchased my new car from him. I told him what a great salesman he was and i really was very greatful for all of his hard work to get me what i needed. Words can't express how sad i am to know Matt is no longer on this earth. He really made a differance in this world. I knew that in just the short time that i had the pleasure to know him. My prayers are with you Matt and your family! God keep you in His Glory!!! Esther

Chewy,thanks for being the friend you are...over the years we both learned a lot from each other and always trusted one another, i will miss ur charm and smile...u were an awesome person and i will always remember the day u taught me the "chewy lock"!:) U will be in my heart forever. god bless!

Today I said goodbye to such an incredible friend and athlete. We shared so many laughs together over the past 10 years and I will never forget the amazing person you were. You left an everlasting impression on the world and I am honored to have called you my friend.

To Alvin, My heart and prayers go out to you and your family, and am So very sorry for your loss.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. He will truly be missed.

To the Smith's, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Chewy was a great friend and will be missed everyday...

Dear Smith Family
I remember growing up with your family. I remember how much Matthew wanted to hang out with Stephanie and I when we would be in her room playing dressup or video games. I remember the trip to see my dads side of the family in Illinios when Matthew came with us. He and my cousin Kevin became such good friends. I will always remember the family that made my childhood memories memories I will never forget. May Matthew rest in peace and bring the ones left behind peace as well.
With Love,
Michelle Miller Campbell
Metairie, LA

chewy was all u could ask for in a friend and he will be greatly missed by all.... my thoughts and prayers go out to the smith family

Stephanie, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We know the greif and sorrow you are experiencing. Ryan loved Chewy and has lost another brother. God must have need another warrior in heaven.
The Vucinovich Family

Dearest Smith Family,
I knew your son from Paretti Mazda. He was a wounderful person. So sweet and kind. I am sick at heart to hear such news of my friend Chewy. I know your hearts are broken and your sorrow is deep. There are no real words to ease your pain. Just put your faith in the hands of our Lord and He will help carry you through such a dark time. I love you Chewy and I will miss you, but I will see you again.
My Deepest Sympathy to all of you.

To the Smith family, my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you.

Our prayers are with you. We pray blessings upon the Smith family.

To Al,Debbie,Alvin,and Stephanie,
The Burns Family would like to express our deepest sorrow for your great loss. He was a wounderful young man, and we all loved him. Words can not express how deeply sorry we are for our loss. May god be with you in this time of heavy burden.
Love,
The Burns Family

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

DEAR SMITH FAMILY,
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE TRAGIC LOSS OF YOUR SON "CHEWY", MAY HE REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. AS FOR YOU "CHEWY" IT'S NOT GOODBYE, I WILL SEE YOU LATER, MY FRIEND.

TO ALVIN AND MR. AL,OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY,OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU

May GOD bless you and keep you all the days of your life.Luv & Prayers.

M.Clark & family

We will miss you dearly Chewy. Your beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of all of those who loved you. The Smith family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Mrs. Debbie and Stephie- my heart goes out to you and your family right now. I have nothing but fond memories of Matt from all of the times Jadah and I would spend the night and when Matt would attend our swimmeets. He was such a sweet and loving person who will be missed by many. Matt and your family are in my family's thoughts and prayers. - Much love, Sarah, Tevis and Gwen

Thinking and praying for strength for you guys to get through this tough time. We thought Chewy was a really great person and feel lucky to have had him and you guys in our lives!
-Rod and Farrah Favaloro

Sending my prayers and love to the entire Smith family on behalf of the Toepfers (Jennie, Randall and Chantall). Our deepest sympathies for your loss of your beloved Matthew. He was a nice young man and will be missed by many. May God bless all of you!

Not quite sure where to start or what to say. I never thought I would be signing your guestbook so soon. Thanks for being a great friend to so many of us, for constantly putting smiles on or faces and for always looking out for us. You will always be in my heart. Thanks for the dance on Saturday night, I'm honored to have spent some of your last moments of happiness with you.
Love always,
Karla Parr

I dont really have words for times such as this. I will miss you dearly. Keep smiling up there, you will always have a place in my heart. Til we meet again.....

One of my happiest memories is the day I met Chewy. He was my junior prom date and one of my best friends. I alway thought that no matter where life took me all I would have to do was call Chewy and he would be there to talk to. I will miss him so much. I know that life will go on but it will never be quite the same without him.

Dear Smith Family,
Please accept my deep sympathy. Chewy was always kind to his friends and coaches.

Dear Smith Family,
Please accept my deep sympathy. Chewy was always kind to his friends and coaches.

I remember Chewy as a well respected, fun loving person in the time I knew him in high school. Always seemed to smile and carry a positive attitude. He has a great family and will be sorely missed. I offers my prayers for the Smith family. R.J. Wallace (River Ridge, LA)

Chet and Carrie
We are so sorry for your loss, Chewy was a great friend to the both of us. We will miss him greatly. You and your family are in our daily prayers.

Smith Family,

I am sorry for your loss. Matt was a great person. He will be missed.

Sincerely,
Matthew Taylor

To the Smith family..I pray God gives you the strenghth to get through this very difficult time and to one day be able to look back and smile or even laugh when you think of all the great memories that you have of your wonderful son and brother. He was liked by so many people and will also be missed by all of those same people. Matt, I will miss talking with you at work and reminiscing about the old days when you and Terry wrestled in high school. You were always smiling and cutting up at work and I could always depend on you if I had any questions about work or needed anything. Thank you for being the wonderful and fun loving person that you were.

To the Smith Family,

I was very sad to hear the news about Chewy. I played football with him at Curtis for a few years and graduated with Stephanie. Unfortunately I lost touch with him after high school but heard quite a bit about his MMA fights. I wish I could have made it to one. My thoughts and prayers are with ya'll through this devastating time. May God bless Chewy and all of his family and friends.

Chris Graff

To the Smith family: I am so sorry for your loss. Chewy was definitely one of a kind and I am blessed to say that I was his friend. He had a contagious sense of humor that would light up any room. I'll never forget the way Chewy made time for his friends, no matter how busy his schedule was. He was a dear friend and a wonderful man. Chewy, I love and miss you. You will remain in our hearts FOREVER.

Chewy I don't know what it was about you but where ever you were that was the place to be. I will always miss your smile, Halloween party's at Blaze's house, New Years 05, and my 26th birthday. I love you and will always miss you.

I wanted your family to know that your Son and Brother made an impact on so many people and he will always be remembered and loved by those who were lucky enough to call him friend. I will never forget the first time that I met Chewy; I was a Youth Minister at Our Lady of Divine Providence Church and we were having our weekly Sunday night gathering after Mass. That particular night, we had about 30 kids in attendance so this group was pretty lively. Just when I was getting ready to start our activity for the night, in walks Chewy through the door with this big smile on his face. I'd never seen him around before so I was kind of stunned when he walked in and proceeded to shake my hand and introduce himself as Chewy Smith. He said he heard some noise coming from the Youth Building and he wanted to check it out. What struck me the most about him at that first meeting was how confident and friendly he was to everyone there that night. He looked so relaxed and made it a point to talk with most of the kids; especially the girls. From that night on, Chewy became part of our CYO and part of our Parish family. He was a natural born leader and He was always willing to get involved in the many Youth activities that we sponsored in our Parish. Chewy made a difference at OLDP and we will always smile whenever we think of him. May God Bless your family during this difficult time and somehow give you the strength and comfort of knowing that many people are praying for you right now and for the months ahead. Thank You God for the gift of Matthew "Chewy" Smith.

With Love,
Nancy Regan and the entire OLDP CYO family

Al, Alvin and family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your hour of beareavment. Always look to the hills from whence cometh your help, your help cometh from the Lord. He will lead and guide you. May God continue blessing you.

The world has lost a very special person.He loved so many things about life,I just can't believe it.I have worked with literally thousands of kids over the years and he was,without a doubt,one of the greatest. I will remember him as the champion he was.My prayers go out to his wonderful family.Thank you for raising such a great kid who has touched so many of us.

There was never a time when Chewy was not smiling. He always seemed so happy and full of life. Making others laugh never seemed hard especially when he was "Eddy" for Halloween. You will be missed greatly, but never forgotton. May you rest in peace until we meet again.
Mark and Michelle Monson

chewy, we never met person to person but you were my facebook buddy. i so looked foward to meeting you. my heart aches and words cant express my feelings. i'll keep your family in my prayers. i still look foward to meeting you one day. meet me at the gates...

hey, you were such a sweet and caring person. And you will be missed. rest in peace chewy. god bless!!

I will never forget Matthew's wonderful personality.
We are very sorry for your loss. Alvin:you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love
The Prejean Family

There no words to express the lost of of a son. I am so sorry Debbie and Al.
Matthew was a wonderful young man.

He will be missed but I will keeep him in my prayers.

We are sorry for your loss. Chewy touched the life of our son, Sean, when he became the only wrestler for John Curtis after Hurricane Katrina. Chewy was hired to be his wreslting coach. We will remember all that he has done for our son. We will always be thankful to him for his support. The Dunn Family.

To the Smith Family,

We are so very sorry for your loss. Matt was a wonderful person and will be missed greatly. RIP Matt...

The Lyle Family

Chewy, i may have not known you for long. But from the moment I met you you made me laugh and were so nice. After you won a fight i ment you at Harris with William and you were always laughing and dancing. The next time was at Waloos and you were in the same good spirits. You will be missed.

AL,DEBBIE,ALVIN AND STEPANIE. SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YA'LL. ANYTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU, JUST LET US KNOW. WITH MUCH LOVE

Chewy - Oh, how I wish I would've attended one of your fights as you wanted me to. Now, I will never get the chance. You helped your big "lil" cousin through a tough time just by your light heartedness and making me laugh and knowing that you were there and that you loved me. Just wish I could've done more for you.

Aunt Debbie, Uncle Al, Alvin and Stephanie, I can't begin to understand the sorrow you as his immediate family is feeling. I just know that my lil cousin was one of the best if not the best person around. That is of course except for Alvin. LOL This is just another way that GOD is telling us that the family needs to get together and be a family. We're losing too many family members. Love Always, Diana

Matthew, you are going to missed by so many. You have definitely grown to be the man a man is supposed to become, and more. Smart, funny, honest, caring and the list goes on and on.
Mr. Al, Mrs Debbie and Stephanie, You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love yall

you will be sadly missed at gios pizza getting your meatball poboy with that woderful smile and always asking about gerard.....we love you and will miss that smile that you always had...rest in peace

mrs. loraine and travis

May you rest in peace Chewy. Love always

You were such a great person and friend. I am very blessed to say that I was your friend. The world is a darker place without the light of your life here. I took for granted how much more time we would have together. I had this vision in the future our kids would be playing together and "Uncle Chewy" would take them hunting and fishing. It so hard to know that will never happen. I will love and miss you forever....

I'm so sorry to hear about the death of Matt. He always made me laugh in bible class!!!!! He was the sweetest guy!!!! I will pray for ya'll!!!!
Love,
Melissa Larsen

I NEVER COULD CALL YOU CHEWY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MATT TO ME. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU COMING IN WITH A DEALER TRANSFER AND STAND BY MY DESK WITH THAT LITTLE BOY GRIN AND SAY MISS TRISH BECAUSE YOU KNEW I WAS GOING TO GIVE YOU A HARD TIME ABOUT IT. YOU ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND WAS ALWAYS THE GENTELMAN WHEN YOU CAME IN THE OFFICE. I WILL MISS YOU GREATLY AND WAS PROUD TO HAVE WORKED WITH YOU. MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN HIS LOVING ARMS AND WILL SEE ONE DAY IN HIS HOUSE.

To the Smith Family:
Chewy was a great friend and loved by so many people. He was quick to help anyone who asked just like a big brother. I am so sorry for your loss. All prayers go out to your family and all the people who had the pleasure to call him a friend.

The Smith Family
Matt "Chewy" was a great friend to me throughout high school. He helped me become such a better player and model during our time together going as far as to pick fights with me before the games to get ready. I will deeply miss him and the person he was. Never to shy to say hi he was always there with a smile and advice. I'll miss you Chewy and I hope you find your peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

You will be missed so much.I still cant't beleive it,I will miss deciding what we were going to eat for lunch and all of the horsing around that we did.You were more than a friend and co-worker,you were family and family is never forgoten and always loved R.I.P my brother your boy: Carlos R. Ebanks Jr. A.K.A the Mexican.

To Debbie and the Smith Family~ There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am for your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

You will be greatly missed Matt. Bless you and your family! I feel lucky to have had the chance to meet you!