Doyle Lester Smith

Doyle Lester Smith, known for his hard work and devotion to his family, community, and faith, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at his home in Calhoun, Louisiana. He was 84 years old.

Doyle L. Smith was born on September 18, 1940, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, to Oscar B. Smith and May Erseal (Elkins) Smith. As the third of four siblings, he grew up on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work and resilience. He later left to pursue a career as a barber in Monroe, Louisiana at Twin City Barber Shop, where he built a reputation for his skill, warmth, and an unforgettable “gift of gab.” He expanded his career into real estate, managing rental homes and home renovation with the same work ethic that characterized his life. Filled with kindness, generosity, and a love for making people laugh, Doyle enjoyed bluegrass music, making memories RV’ing, loved going to the farm, visiting and catch up with old school friends and family. He was a dedicated and beloved member of the First Baptist Church of Calhoun, Louisiana, where he served as a deacon for many years, and as a Gideon in the state of Louisiana. 

An endlessly proud, kind, and supportive father, Doyle encouraged his sons to work hard and be courageous in pursuing their dreams, instilling values that helped them achieve success in sports, coaching basketball, music performance, and education. 

Doyle is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joe Ann (Casiday) Smith; his sons, Keith Doyle Smith of Longview, Texas, and Jason Casiday Smith and wife Christin (Foley) Smith of Magnolia, Arkansas; his cherished grandson, Kirby William Smith; his sisters, Betty Fussell and Donis Weatherly Graves; and numerous close nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Raymond G. Smith and sister-in-law Bobbie Smith, and his brother-in-law Thomas Fussell and JQ Weatherly.

In honor of Doyle’s memory, the family invites donations to be made to First Baptist Church of Calhoun, Louisiana, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105, or at https://www.stjude.org.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a service at 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 2981 US-80, Calhoun, Louisiana 71225. Burial will follow the service at 2:45 p.m. at Crowville Cemetery, 376 LA-577, Winnsboro, LA 71295. 

Pallbearers include James Futrell, Ray Pierce, Tommy Fussell, Adam Fussell, Larry Casiday, and Barry Weatherly. 

Doyle Lester Smith will be remembered fondly by his family, friends, and community for his unwavering devotion, resilient work ethic, and the love he brought to those around him.