Superintendent Lonnie J. Smith

Superintendent Lonnie James Smith was born to the late Jimmy Lee and Nellie Smith on February 3, 1946 in Blakely, GA. He graduated from Carver Heights High School, where he was a very successful football player for the Trojans. He retired from Sprint Telephone Company after 24 years of service. He was an avid golfer who competed and won many golf tournaments. He was saved at a very early age in Lisbon Church of God where one of the church mothers invited him, and he accepted the Lord. At the age of 8, Supt. Smith began singing with his brothers “The Smith Brothers”. Later they became known as “The Dixie Starlight”, singing and opening for many known groups. He later moved his membership to Crystal River COGIC (Bailey’s Temple COGIC) where the late Dr. Jerry Bailey instructed him further in the things of God. He was the Devotion Leader, Deacon, Ordained Minister, Assistant Pastor. He was then assigned to Ft. McCoy to lead a mission church. He later became the builder and founding Pastor of Leesburg Church Of God In Christ in 1990. He served his community, city, state and in any capacities handed to him with finesse and integrity. Prior to his illness, Superintendent Smith served as Auxiliaries In Ministry Chairman, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, State Sunday School President, Superintendent of the Leesburg Unity District, President of the Greater Leesburg Ministerial Alliance, and of course “The Best Pastor” with a heart of gold. He served three jurisdictional bishops in the Church Of God In Christ. Superintendent Smith was a recording artist, His CD “He’ll Turn It Around” is loved and sung by many. His motto: “it’s Just Right To Do Right”; one of his favorite scriptures: “Matthew 11:28; Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. Superintendent Smith leaves to cherish his memories: His wife and love of 40 years, Florence Hartage Smith. They reared three children, Supt. John Christian (District Missionary Constance Poitier) Leesburg, Elders Robert Hartage (Deborah) Wildwood, and Cindy Mills (Minister Leon) Leesburg. His adored sons Lonnie Richards (Leesburg) and Steve Richardson (Leesburg). Superintendent Smith is preceded in death by his parents Jimmy and Nellie Smith. Siblings: Jim Smith, Jr (Rochelle); John (Jake) Smith; Annie Adams (Leroy); and Mary Cheese (Mike). Superintendent Smith is survived by his siblings: Willie Smith, Deacon James Smith (Apostle Lottie); Ella Walker and Brother Wilbert Smith. 17 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and many godchildren.

Tributes

Superintendent Lonnie J. Smith

February 3, 1946 - July 23, 2020