Andrew Wesley Smith

Rev. Andrew Wesley Smith
"Andy," "Big Redd," "Drew," "Preacher," and "PawPaw"

Rev. Andrew Wesley Smith was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma, and passed into his eternal home in Wasco, California, on November 10th. Born on a farm to Sullen and Sarah Smith, he grew up alongside his beloved sister, Bertha. He began his schooling in Wewoka before the family relocated to Wasco in 1947. He received most of his formal education within the Wasco school system, later attending Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College, where he excelled academically, especially in mathematics and algebra.

After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1957. He was honorably discharged in 1958 due to a heart condition, but his time in service strengthened his skills in mechanics-an area he would master for the rest of his life. An avid automobile enthusiast, he possessed a remarkable ability to repair nearly any vehicle.

His employment spanned more than 60 years, working in various roles including: Wasco Motor Sales/Dodge Garage; Jackson and Perkins as Shop Foreman; Howard Hay Company as a mechanic; Neufeld Automotive as a Counter Parts Person; owner of Sunland Gas Service Station; City of Wasco as Shop Mechanic Foreman; Semitropic Water Storage as a Maintenance Foreman; co-owner of Smitty's Auto World in Los Angeles with his son, Andrew Jr.; and finally at Precision Hay, formerly Howard Hay. He also served as a Reserve Officer for the Wasco Police Department in the 1970s.

Daddy loved restoring old-model Dodge trucks, welding, and crafting unique iron masterpieces for his family. He delighted in entering his one-of-a-kind three-wheel bicycle in the Wasco Rose Parade. He enjoyed watching basketball and baseball-especially cheering on the L.A. Clippers and L.A. Dodgers. He cherished camping, fishing, and rising early each morning to read God's Word.

His favorite scripture was Psalm 118:24:
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

His favorite gospel song was "Precious Lord," and he held deep admiration for the ministry of Charles Stanley. He was always sharply dressed, known for his suits and his collection of Stacy Adams shoes-one in every color.

While balancing his career and raising a large family, he answered a call to the ministry. His ministerial journey began at Truelight Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor J.V. Riggins. He continued his biblical studies through The Ambassador College correspondence program in Pasadena and later the Men's Bible University at First AME Church in Los Angeles. He served at Truelight Missionary Baptist Church, Southern Missionary Baptist Church (Los Angeles), and St. John Missionary Baptist Church (Bakersfield).

In 2002, with the blessing of Rev. Tyree Toliver Sr. of St. John, he was recommended to pastor Community Baptist Church in Buttonwillow, California. He formed a close friendship with Max Hefner, who lovingly nicknamed him "The Preacher." He faithfully preached God's Word for 28 years before retiring from ministry in 2007. He later became a member of Kern Christian Center in Bakersfield, and when unable to attend in person, he fellowshipped with Griffith Avenue Baptist Church in Wasco.

In 2008, he suffered a debilitating stroke; however, he continued to share his wisdom by helping family and friends with car repairs. Two passions he dearly loved were studying God's Word and working with his hands as a mechanic.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sullen and Sarah Smith; siblings James (who passed at 2 months old) and Booster (stillborn); sons Andrew Wesley Smith Jr., Eddie Ray Smith, Sheldon Dale Smith, and Darren Kim Smith; daughter-in-law Deborah Smith; grandson Andre Carolina; son-in-law Don Hicks; cousin Aljewel Rogers; neighbor Herman Broom; good friends Charlie Tiner, Charlie Maxey, Bailey Hill, and Keith Howard; and brother-in-law George Ellis. We rejoice knowing they were all there to welcome him through the pearly gates.

He leaves to cherish his memory:
His sister Bertha Hartney Debbs; brother-in-law Eddie Debbs; son Ray Harrison (Mary); daughters Marilyn Joseph, Karen Hicks, Andrea Jackson, and Demetra Smith; daughter-in-law Adrienne Smith; Godsons Andre Harrison and Shawn Shugart; 26 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many treasured friends.

The family extends a special thank you to our sister Demetra for her unwavering dedication, care, patience, and love in tending to both of our parents. We also thank Daddy's daughters Andi, Karen and granddaughter Pumpkin for their support in his care. Our deepest gratitude goes to the Bakersfield Healthcare Hospice Team for their compassion and service, and to Peters Funeral Home for their care and assistance.

To all who join us in honoring his life today-may God bless you.