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1956
2019
Russell Glenn Smith Sr., 62, of Sorrento, LA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Russell was born on May 14, 1956, to the Late Roosevelt and Lizzie Smith of Maringouin, Louisiana. Russell graduated from Shady Grove High School, Rosedale, LA. He was baptized at an early age by Reverend W.M. Ward at Rosehill Baptist Church in Rosedale, La. and later joined Word of Life Christian Center in Darrow, La. on April 10, 2011. Russell was united in marriage with Debbie Kaye Patterson, on April 24, 1982. To that union two sons were born. Russell retired from Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, LA as a Master Sergeant in 2011, with 23 years of service. Russell was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved traveling, grilling, boiling crawfish, spending time with his family and watching his beloved New Orleans Saints. Russell touched so many people lives, from children who adored him to seniors citizens, whom he took the time to visit. Russell will forever be remembered by his Devoted and Loving wife Debbie, of almost 37 years, two Loving and Caring sons, Russell Glenn Smith Jr. and Jonathan David Smith, of Sorrento, La.; one sister, Ginger Faye Smith, of Maringouin, LA, three Precious granddaughters that he loved dearly, Laila Elizabeth Smith, Amari Ja'Lynn Smith and Aubrey Claire Smith, one daughter in law, Charonique Ursin-Smith, mother of youngest granddaughter, Karlissea Hives; three sister in laws, Louise Lewis Harris, of Plaquemine, LA, Shelia Patterson McNair of Gonzales, LA, and Shirlyn Franklin of Baton Rouge, LA, two brother in laws, Adrian Sparrow of Hallandale Beach, Florida and David Franklin Sr. of Baton Rouge, LA; two nieces who he grew up with like sisters, Eva Harris EL' Amin and Sharah Harris Martin; a host of very special friends which are too many to name, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center family. Russell was preceeded in death by his parents, Roosevelt and Lizzie Smith, two brothers, Gehrig Leonard Harris Sr. and Rex Tyrone Smith, and a niece, Arkeva Lyntrel Smith. Public Visitation will be held at Lawson & Rollins Purple Shield Funeral Home, 511 W. Tobey Avenue, Gonzales, LA 70737, on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm ONLY. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Word of Life Christian Center, 40066 Louisiana Highway 22, Darrow, LA. Apostle Leroy Thompson Sr. officiating.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
He was a great inspiration to me.
Chris Hudson
Friend
January 25, 2021
with Deepest Sympathy To Russell's Entire Family...Cherish Your Precious Memories...God Is The Strength Of Your Lives And Through The Heartaches And Pains He Cares For You...Love Always The Smith's, Butler's, Nixon's, Oubre's, Young's And Warner
VALENCIA Y SMITH
January 19, 2019
Rest in heaven my classmate.
Ray, Ella.Wayne & Karsheener West
January 13, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Debbie and family. Russell was truly a special person. He did not meet a stranger and always made all welcome. He was a true friend and will be greatly missed. Stay strong and god bless. Mark and Angie Hudson
Mark and Angie Hudson
January 13, 2019
Debbie, Russell, Jr., Jonathan, & Our Entire Family:
May we find comfort in the knowledge that Russell lived a life of purpose and is now with the Lord and may that same Jesus grant each of us the strength to continue his legacy of Faith and good works. Russell left an indelible imprint in our memories. It is my prayer that we find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared our life's journey through and with him. I know for certain that we never lose the love one who has transitioned to our Heavenly Home, because he will continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Our Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Rest in Heavenly Peace and know you're forever in our hearts.
Ginger, AJaye, Brennan, Morgan, Ayden, Stacey, Tracy, Karla, & Dawn
January 12, 2019
Smith Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Elvin & Wanda Augustus
January 12, 2019
MSGT Russell Smith will be sadly missed. I had the pleasure of working with Smith at EHHC. He would always have a smile on his face. No matter if he was having a good day or a bad day at work. He was always smiled and full of life.
To the family keep your head up and remember his light that shined so bright it was his smile. God will see you threw all obstacles in life. AMEN.. Stay Strong
Mary Robinson
January 12, 2019
You were a great friend and Ibwill muss you and your kind spirit. Henry Mike Sullivan
January 12, 2019
Russell was such a special person and a great co-worker and a great security officer. Whenever he was around, you knew you were safe--it was almost like he had eyes in the back of his head. They don't get any better than Russell.
January 12, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jacqueline Redditt Williams
January 12, 2019
Sending prayers and love to the family, Russell truly will be missed by so many.
Dale Zeno Cavalier
DALE CAVALIER
January 12, 2019
With Deepest Sympathy
Pat B Fredericks &Family
January 12, 2019
Pat Aguillard
January 11, 2019
Ginger,
Our hearts goes out to you and your family. We are praying for your strength.
Hattie Pryer & Glasper Family
Hattie Pryer
January 11, 2019
My dear classmate, you always had a smile on your face and joy in your heart. Sweet rest in heaven and God bless you. Prayers for his family.
Tara Ashford
January 11, 2019
Dearest Debbie, my heart is sad, thinking about the loss of Russell, he was such a joy to be around, he made the world a better place. God says, "earth has no sorrow, that heaven can't heal." You have great memories and beautiful son's as a remembrance of your dear Russell. He will be missed by many. Love ya!
Patricia Straughter Auzenne
January 11, 2019
To Debbie & Sons
Ginger & Family
His eye is on the little "tiny" sparrow and HE watches over you.
With Sympathy,
The Blanchard Family
Ms. Bert, Anthony "Noot", Kathy, and Kenny
January 11, 2019
MY DEEPEST AND SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND THE FAMILY DEBBIE. I WAS SO HEART BROKEN TO HEAR OF RUSSELL'S PASSING. MAY CHERISHED MEMORIES AND GOD'S GRACE COMFORT AND SUSTAIN YOU TODAY AND IN THE DAYS TO COME.
ANTHONY JR.& SYLVIA AUSBON- SANCHEZ
January 11, 2019
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Valerie Pryer
January 11, 2019
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jeanette Thomas
January 11, 2019
With deepest sympathy
I met Russell during my time working at Hunt Correctional Center. Russell'so bright smile and warm heart brought clarity to a sometimes difficult workplace.
May he rest in peace and God bless his family.
Marvin E. Morris,Baton Rouge, La.
January 11, 2019
My dearest Debbie Russell and you are truly loved and blessed by the elayn hunt correctional center we all adored working with the both of you.you all were truly two good Co- worker's to work with you have my deepest sympathy God truly has one of his angels with him I love you all God Bless you and your family.
Dianne Marie Wade
January 11, 2019
I'm very sorry for your loss. Russell was a great guy. We worked together at HCC. Will be praying for the family.
Lora Rodriguez
January 11, 2019
Emmanuel. We know God is with you. We love you and the girls send their love and prayers.
Calvin, Lynette & Our Girls White
January 11, 2019
Russell and I worked many days at Hunt and he always had a smile on his face. My god give the family strength during this time.
Eddie Fisher
January 11, 2019
With Deepest Condolences From The Washington Fly. Praying God Strength for The Family.
Stanley and LaRose Washington
January 11, 2019
With Deepest SYMPATHY
Shamecca,Tracy &Jirrus
January 11, 2019
Our entire family is saddened to hear of this loss. Russell Sr. touched all of our lives. He meant so much to so many young people as a coach. He was well respected, a joy to be around, and an asset to his community. My deepest condolences to Debbie, Russell Jr. and Jonathan as well as the grandchildren. It was evident how much his family and humanity meant to Russell.
David Broussard
January 10, 2019
Laura Waguespack
January 10, 2019
So many share in your sorrow, because Russell was very special to a lot of people. He was an unforgettable person who has left all who loved him with warm and happy memories. May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.
With Deepest Sympathy
Joselyn Wright & Sarah Neal
January 10, 2019
With Sympathy and Prayers
May God comfort you during this sad time of loss. It was a pleasure as well as joy to work with Russell at Hunts. He left a great
impression on the lives he touch. May his Precious Memories carry you through the quiet times.
Joan Marie (Stevens) Carter
January 10, 2019
Mrs. Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Russell's passing. My heart sank to my toes and I immediately let Mama know. He was always one of my favorite people. My prayers will be with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Hugs, love & prayers,
Elena (Lozares) Diez
Elena Diez
January 10, 2019
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Stella Mae Tatney-Williams
January 10, 2019
Condolences
The Joseph Family
January 10, 2019
Russell has always had a warm friendly heart and will be sadly missed. RIP my friend.
Elodie Williams
January 10, 2019
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Lawson - Rollins Purple Shield Funeral Home - Gonzales511 W. Tobey Ave. , Gonzales, LA 70737
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