On Friday, February 19, 2021, GYSGT Alvin "Bear" Smith, aka "Smitty" departed this life, forever young, at the age of 65.  He was born in Lafayette, LA, on December 4, 1955, and raised in Westlake, LA.

He attended Westlake H.S., received his Associate Degree from Central Texas College and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in March, 1973.  He lived, worked and traveled the world, while climbing the ranks as a U. S. Marine for 22 years until he retired as a Gunnery Sergeant in August, 1995 from Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA.

He moved home to his native Louisiana and worked at the Kirby Street Y.M.C.A. before beginning a career as a mail handler with the U.S. Postal Service from which he retired for the final time in 2018, after 20+ years.  Additionally, he worked tirelessly and diligently as a husband, father, brother and friend to maintain the land and legacy left by Robert Smith, Jr.

He exhibited an immeasurable love of music and his family, first and foremost as well as cars, motorcycles, martial arts, tennis and ping pong.

He spend his short retirement enjoying the little, but finer things in life, spending time with his family, keeping up with "His Gizmo" , playing the piano and Sunday drives in his dream car which he recently purchased.

He leaves to mourn his life and cherish his legacy, Annette DeJean Smith, wife of 33 years; two daughters, Cora Nichole DeJean and Kimetha "Kimmie" Michelle Smith; one son, JeanDe Jamal "Pooh Bear" Smith and of course, his favorite, his one and only grandchild, Aaliyah Annette Sonnier, affectionately known as "Gizmo" by her Papa; one sister, Annie Ruth (Smith) Lee of Lake Charles, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert Smith, Sr. and Minerva Slater Smith, who raised him as their "son" following the untimely death of his mother, Mollie Minerva Smith;  two sisters, Francis Smith Syas and Lucille Smith Gibson; and four brothers, Edgar Smith, Harry Smith, Robert  Smith, Jr., and Freddie Smith.

Arrangements: Friday, March 12, 2021, Visitation from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at King's Funeral Home, 1611 Gerstner Memorial Drive, Lake Charles, LA.  Saturday, March 13, 2021, Visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at House of Prayer Holiness Church, 920 Harrison Street, Westlake, LA.  The funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Alvin Noel.  Burial will be in Perkins Cemetery in Westlake, LA, under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com