Lemuel Levassar Smith, was born in Athens, Texas, July 11, 1941. He was the only child born to Leonich Smith and Nettie Daniels, affectionately known as "Mama Nettie". Mama Nettie instilled in Lemuel the love for God at an early age. Being an only child, all of his cousins were just like his brothers and sisters. Growing up in Texas he farmed, worked with a mortician and had a great love for music. He attended Fisher High school, but wanting to travel and see the world, at the age of 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his 21 ½ years, he did 3 combat tours in Vietnam, where he received 3 Purple Hearts and was awarded a Bronze Star. In the military, where he got the handle of "Smittty", he also was a member of the 1st Cav, as a scout in Vietnam, where there are very few of these soldiers living today. Smitty's last duty station was done in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., here he met Ann Kimball, who soon became his wife of 45 years. When he was honorably discharged from the US Army, Smitty put his hands to many great jobs, he loved learning and doing new things. He moved to Springfield in 1958 and soon decided he wanted to go back to school. Doing so, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. During his lifetime, Smitty owned several restaurant businesses. He was well known for his barbeque. In fact, being the only son, his mother gave him the special sauce recipe and they soon opened a bottling business to keep up with the demands of the delicious barbeque sauce. Mamma Nettie's Sauce was just about in every store in Missouri. Smitty was a Greene County Deputy Sheriff and he became the 1st Black Chief of Police in Fair Grove, MO. This brought so much attention to the town, Jet Magazine came and did a story on him. He was also a member of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. Throughout his military career, he remained close to his love of music and became a professional jazz drummer, where he played with several local bands in town. He had a music studio in their home, he loved teaching drums to young people, when they showed a genuine interest. He loved singing and playing Jazz and Blues with his many friends and colleagues. Smitty would tell you that God had smiled on him and was the source of his strength. His life came full circle when he decided to buy an 83 acre farm in Hickory County. He loved working on his Old MacDonald Farm, raising hogs, cows and chickens. When he bought the farm, Smitty rededicated his life to the Lord and to singing Gospel music. Smitty received his "Two Wings" and met Jesus in the middle of the air, Wednesday, August 13, 2013, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Smitty fought a good fight, but more importantly he kept the faith. Smitty leaves to celebrate his homegoing, his loving wife of 45 years, Ann; daughter, Vonita Kelly (Rufus); two sons, Darrell L. Smith, Sr. (Melanie) and Lemuel Smith, Jr.; ten grandchildren, Angelina Montemoino, Israel Smith, Darrell Smith II, Shaya Smith, Brandyn Howard, Darrell Smith, Jr., C.J. McBrayer, Matthew McBrayer, Bradley Smith and Shonda Smith; six great-grandchildren, Shemaiah Sarisse, Asia Smith, Jerimiah Smith, Kayonna Smith, Kenyon Smith and Anjay Smith; a host of Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and many friends.