Floice Smith

A TIME TO BE BORN – The story of Floice Smith, affectionately known to many as “Floyd”, is a true American story of love, life and resilience.  He was born on November 16, 1939 to the union of late Chester Smith and Ocie Ola Smith Johnson in Rison, Arkansas.

 A TIME TO BUILD – Floice attended Lanwood Grammar & High School in Rison, where he participated in sports, plays, chorus and was a member of the National Farmer’s Association (NFA).  He graduated in 1958.  One of his graduation gifts was a trip to visit his sister, Lessaree, in Milwaukee, WI.  He’s called Milwaukee home ever since.

 A TIME TO KNOW – Floice enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1963 and traveled to many places, including Germany, France, and Italy.  He received an honorable discharge in 1968.  Upon returning to Milwaukee, he initially worked at Veteran’s Administration (VA) hospital, and subsequently enjoyed a 25-year career as a driver with the Milwaukee County Transit System.

 He united with Zion Hill Baptist Church, Rison, AR at an early age and later united with Canaan Baptist Church in 1991.  At Canaan, he was a member of the Men’s Sunday School Class, Men’s Ministry, church van driver and Male Chorus.

 A TIME TO LOVE – In his leisure, he enjoyed spending time with family, reading and discussing the Bible, playing dominoes, shooting darts, and hanging out with his many friends and acquaintances at Clinton Rose Senior Center.

 On Saturday, February 8, 2020, Floice heard the voice of the Lord and responded to His call.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Chester D. Smith; sister, Gladys Johnson; nephews, Batiste Smith and Trye Johnson; brothers-in-law, Albert Johnson, Rodger Walker, Johnny Hamilton and Roosevelt Brewer.

 A TIME TO CHERISH – He leaves to honor his memory and legacy three (3) loving sisters, Lessaree S. Walker of Milwaukee, WI, Annie L. Hamilton of Tucson, AZ, and Virginia Brewer of Rison, AR, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. 

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2020 at Buie Funeral Home in Rison.

Arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Rison.  Please sign the online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com.

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