Lewis E Smith

Lewis E. Smith, also known as (Bob), and/or (Smitty), was called to his eternal heavenly home on March 19, 2023. He was 82 years of age.

Lewis was born on November 2, 1940 in Bradley County Tennessee, to Frank Daniel Tucker and Irene Smith. He earned his high school diploma from College Hill High School in 1959. In the year of 1963, Lewis landed his first job as a custodian with Jack's Janitorial.

February of 1969 at 28 years of age, Lewis aught a three-day ride to Los Angeles, California with friends; with only $82 in his pocket, and arriving with only $7 to his name. Hardworking and determined, he finally obtained his first job on 62nd and Central Ave., at a family-owned Box Plant called the "Sheet Plant". And at this time Lewis resided at 9128 South Orchard, in a duplex, paying $60 rent with no transportation.

It wasn't until 1970, that Lewis purchased his first automobile, a 1970 Pontiac for $350; although it had no radio nor a second gear, with only an income of $512 a month (after taxes $300), it was all that he could afford at that time.

In 1971, Lewis moved and purchased his long-term home in Watts, California. At the time, the home was a rental and could not keep a tenant. The owner sold it to him as is, with no deposit required. The house note was $102 a month. And over a two-year period of time, Lewis became a homeowner.

In 1972, Lewis became employed in the Custodial Department with the Los Angeles County. While working for the County, Lewis also began employment with the Los Angeles Unified School District in the year of 1980 working as a teacher in the Special Education Department.

In 1982, Lewis joined St. John's United Methodist Church, located in the heart of Watts, Ca. He was apart of the Usher Board as well as the Finance Committee, and he also sung in the Men's Choir.

In October of 1988, Lewis married Mary Chamblee, and then connected physically, mentally, and spiritually with her and her three children, along with his only biological daughter, and formed a union. In total, Lewis has raised seven children.

Although Lewis began enjoying the sounds of jazz while living in his home town of Tennessee, it was not until the late 80'%, early 90's that Lewis attended his very first festival, the Watts Festival. After that, every summer Lewis attended all scheduled jazz festivals. Something else that Lewis enjoyed doing was driving over to the live jazz restaurant named La Louisanne. He loved to be around vibrant, cool people while listening, laughing, and sipping on that infamous Long Island Iced Tea. Lewis favorite color was tan/taupe/brown. Lewis loved to socialize and hold memorable conversations. "If you knew him, you knew he would arrive early, and a complimentary bottle in hand".

In 1999, Lewis retired from the LA County after 23 years of service. And in 2006, Lewis retired from the L.A.U.S.D after 26 years of service. And even after Lewis retired from the LA County, to keep himself busy Lewis began working at a Boarding Home for Mentally disabled adults for approximately three years.

In August of 2004, Lewis also obtained his Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies from Southwest Community College in Los Angeles, Ca.

Lewis leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Mary, his daughter Valorie, grandson C), great grandson Jaylan, step-daughters Dawn (Marvin Jackson) and Marcia, and stepson Douglas. Brothers: Stephen (Susa) Smith, Freddie Smith, (Gale who preceded him in death and his only sister Diane). Cousins: Dooner, Jean, Jackie, Andrea, Marcia. Inherited through marriage, four grandkids, Marlissa, Marc, Ma'Kalia and Maraciel. Two great-grandkids, Mar' Tayvion and Mar'Laya. To say the least, a host of nieces, nephews, unnamed relatives, and friends who loved him dearly.

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