Samuel "S.L." Lewis Smith Sr., of Rockford departed this earthly life May 14, 2024. He was born March 10, 1935 in Bastrop, Louisiana the son of Roxie Canada and  Murray Smith. Samuel lived in Rockford since 1953 coming from Louisiana. He married Florine Knox July 8, 1982. Samuel was employed as a machine operator by Greenlee Textron 35 years before retiring.  He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Samuel was an Avid Bowler with Stateline Bowling Team. He attended school in Louisiana.

Samuel leaves to cherish many loving memories, his wife, Florine; three daughters, Jeniffer (Willie) Holland and Lasondra Smith and Kyuna (Tyrone) Beasley Brown and step daughter, who he loved as his own and raised, Ruby (Lee Patrick) Beasley Lowe; six sons, Samuel Smith Jr., Leroy Smith, Wayne Smith, Joseph Smith, Jimmy Smith and Leland Smith; step children; Helen, Earnestine and James Beasley; 40 gran children including special grandson, Montrell Beasley and special grand daughter, Shaneka Smith; and a host of great grandchildren; two sisters, Mattie Keys and Rachael Hutchinson; three brothers, Wiley Canada, John (Ann) Canada and West (Peggy) Canada; a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.  He was predeceased by his parents; son, Michael Allen; two brothers, David Lee  Tolbert and Isaiah Canada; and sister, Willie Holliman.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2024 at Bethel Baptist Church 724 Harrison Ave. Burial in Cedar Bluff Cemetery. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.