Leroy "Papa" Smith

Werdie Leroy Smith, better known as Papa, was born on September 12, 1943, in the small town of Reedley, CA, USA. A beam of light in any room, he was known for his infectious humor and ability to transform any situation into a moment of laughter. His zest for life was contagious, and he was the glue that held his family together. Leroy was a dutiful pilot car driver in the transportation industry for a decade but his true passion was his family. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was his driving force and he made sure to instill the same familial bond in each one of them. He was the sort of man who didn't just tell a joke, but lived it, bringing a sense of joy and silliness to even the most mundane moments.

In his 83 years, Leroy resided in Fresno, California, where he created a home filled with laughter and love. He is survived by his wife, Alice Smith, and his children Michele Spitzer (Glen), Teresa Hendrix (Brad), Yvette Haney, Tonya Smith, Tracy Ruiz, and Mark Cunha. He was also a cherished grandfather to 20 grandchildren, and a beloved great-grandfather to 46 great-grandchildren and a brother to Charles and Sharon. His legacy of love, humor, and family will continue to live on in each of them. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Willie Smith, and his infant daughter, Tammy Evyon Smith.

A celebration of Papa's life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rabara Memorial, 916 East Divisadero Street, Fresno, California, 93721.

Please join us to remember Papa and the amazing life he led. We encourage you to share your memories of Papa and upload photos to the memorial page, so that we can all appreciate the many moments of joy and laughter he brought to our lives.