Leland C. Smith

“ For Everything there is a Season

A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born and a time to die,

A time to kill and a time to heal,

A time to break down and time to build up,

A time to weep and a time to laugh,

A time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Leland’s season began at Bartow Memorial on November 8, 1951, to Doug and Alvena (Gadau) Smith who preceded him in death. He is survived by a sister Linda Smith King & husband Steve, a nephew Adrian King & wife Emily & son J.B. and a niece Jennifer King Burant & husband Steven. He was a member of Alturas Methodist Church where he started playing the piano for Sunday School at age 10, followed by learning the organ and playing for several weddings. Leland attended Alturas Elementary and Bartow High School where he was involved in Glee Club and Key Club. He ventured to FSU with several classmates to get a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. While attending high school he began a part-time job at Sara’s Flower Fashions- followed by several years at White’s Men Shop. In 1979 he moved from Bartow to New York City where he was an office manager for serval companies before finally retiring from Martin Patrick Evan Custom Rug Design. After retiring and moving back to Winter Haven & family, he began his passion for ancestry. Family was always important to Leland especially being surrounded by a large Smith family of aunts & uncles and numerous cousins. Leland was an advocate when Adrian & Jennifer were searching for their careers. Leland was always known for his witty personality along with being a very generous and caring man- we will miss him. Memorials may be made to Alturas Methodist Church PO Box 66 Alturas, Florida 33820. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com