Carl James Smith

Carl James Smith was born on July 27, 1965, in Lafayette, Louisiana. He passed away on February 15, 2026.

Carl is survived by his wife of 30 years, Vanessa Marie Smith; his mother, Mary T. Smith; children, JaKara Renee Thomas (Edward) and Jermaine Lee Smith; grandchildren, Diamond Don'Jenee Darby and Jeanaya Troynessa Fontenette; great-granddaughter, Sevyn Amon Darby; siblings, Linda Edmond, John L. Smith, Sr. (Andrea), and Michael Charles Smith (Elizabeth); sisters-in-law, Cynthia Wilkins (Junius) of Fontana, California, and Amanda Guillory (Nicholas) of Abilene, Texas; brothers-in-law, Anthony Alex, Mark Thomas, and Dwayne Thomas, all of Lafayette, Louisiana; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, John L. Smith, Sr.; siblings, Joseph Walter Lee Smith, Sr. and Jacqueline M. Smith; paternal grandparents, John and Odelia Smith; maternal grandparents, Mayo and Carmaleta B. Thibeaux; mother-in-law, Selina Thomas Benjamin; father-in-law, Joseph "Jock" Benjamin; and brothers-in-law, Clarence Edmond and Milton Alex.

Carl was a resident of Broussard for the past 30 years. He worked as a maintenance man for Billeaud Water Well Drilling, Inc. for 20 years and also worked in construction for 10 years. He was skilled, hardworking, and devoted to his job. If anyone needed help, Carl was right there-no questions asked.

One of Carl's proudest accomplishments was earning a Certificate of Achievement for maintaining a perfect attendance record from pre-kindergarten through his senior year of high school.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his longtime friends, Ted Broussard and Ronnie Broussard. He also cherished spending time with his neighborhood friend, Tony Rabon. Carl was a member of the Cast Crew Ministry and served as an usher at St. Anne Catholic Church.

Most of all, Carl deeply loved and cherished his wife, Vanessa; his children; his grandchildren; and his great-granddaughter. His family was his greatest joy and the center of his world. The love he gave so freely will forever remain in their hearts. All who knew him loved him, and he will be dearly and truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Carl to the New Church Expansion Fund at St. Anne Catholic Church. Checks may be made payable to St. Anne Church, with "New Church Construction" written in the memo line.

Special thanks extended to Louisiana Funeral Services & Crematory and Our Lady of Lourdes - 3rd floor and ICU Staff.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Louisiana Funeral Services & Crematory, 108 Hardware Rd., Broussard. A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church in Youngsville. Interment will follow immediately at St. Anne Mausoleum.

To share your kind words, condolences, or fond memories with the family, please do so by writing in the online guest book below.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Carl James Smith, please click here to visit our sympathy store.