Obituary

Samuel Christian Smalley

December 8, 1972 - October 10, 2025

Samuel Christian Smalley, age 52 and a resident of Hammond, passed away peacefully early Friday morning October 10, 2025 at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Chris was born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana on December 8, 1972, before moving with his family to Franklinton as a young boy. He played youth baseball for several years and later graduated from Franklinton High School Class of 1991. Chris was chosen for the Louisiana All-State Chorus and, throughout his life, had a love for different types of music. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton, and had participated in all youth group activities, including R.A. basketball, which he enjoyed very much. After graduation, he served his community and country in the Louisiana Army-National Guard for several years. Chris worked at the Tulane Biomedical Research Center in Covington for the last 20 years, serving in different departments, most recently as a bio-safety engineer traveling to facilities around the area. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed shooting pool with his friends. Chris loved grilling for his family and friends, considering himself a “Grill Master”. He also loved family vacations to the beach and any time they could spend together. Chris had a contagious laugh, which his countless friends could attest to, although he considered himself the funniest person he knew. Recently, he loved spending time with his young granddaughter and enjoying time with his friends at Franklinton Demons football games, watching his favorite LSU Tigers and just being together with all those he loved. He will be forever remembered by all that knew him.

Survived by: Wife: Rebecca Bennett Smalley of Hammond; Daughters: Madison Smalley of Hammond. Morgan Bond; Son and Daughter in law: Samuel Christian Smalley, Jr. and Emily Curry Smalley of Hammond; Granddaughter: Rumi Nyx; Parents: Karen and Rev. Joey Miller of Franklinton, Sam Smalley of Mandeville; Siblings and Spouses: Chad and Allison Smalley of Florence AL, Carson Smalley of Mandeville, Chaplin and Leah Ann Smalley of the Stateline Community, Scott and Katie Miller of Mt. Hermon, Sally Ann and Cory Shaver of Montgomery, TX, Chase Miller of Atlanta, Michael and Stacey Rase, Lance and Erika Rase; Nieces and Nephews: Stella, Savannah, Layla, Chandler, Brady, Peyton, Eden, Kodi Grace, Quinn, Crew; Aunts and an Uncle: Janet and Doug Perrigin, Jan Perry Davis; Mother in law and Father in law: Charlotte and Andy Williams of Port Vincent; Father in law and Mother in law: Bruce and Linda Bennett of Denham Springs; Sister in law: Brittney Bennett; Brothers in law and Sisters in law: Preston and April Bennett, Landon and Maggie Watts; Also numerous cousins and many dear friends that he loved as family

He was preceded in death by grandparents Nyra “Nell” and Rev. Wallace Perry, Harley and Toby Smalley, uncle Aubrey Perry, step-mother Marsha Smalley and other family members.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home (1109 Bene Street, Franklinton) on Monday October 13th from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm and after 9:00 am on Tuesday. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Tuesday with Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Ellis Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Chandler Smalley, Tony Fagan, Shane Willis, Landy Lott, Heath Bernard, Robert Kerne, Chris Wood

Honorary Pallbearers: Greg Holmes, Wesley Green, Graham Wolbrecht, Derald Cupp, Rob Crain