Obituary

Eric Devon Smith

March 25, 1968 — September 4, 2026

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23

Reflection of Life

Eric Devon Smith was born on March 25, 1968. The Lord blessed this world with a young man that touched the lives of everyone he encountered. Mr. Eric Smith was born in Dayton, Ohio to the loving parents of Mr. and Mrs. David (Annie) Smith. A prestigious 1986 graduate of Meadowdale High School of Dayton, Ohio.

In 1987, Eric began his military journey with the United States Marine Corp, where he received specialized training in Petroleum Supply and served as a Bulk Fuel Specialist. During his military career, he proudly earned several honors and awards, including Rifle Badge (Expert), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3d Award), National Defense Service Medal and Southwest Asian Service Medal ( 3d Award) and proudly fought for our country in Operation Desert Shield/ Storm.

In 1993, Eric continued pursuing his passions and talents, making significant contributions through his work and dedication at the Bogalusa Box Plant. His presence was greatly felt as he played a major contribution at the Bogalusa Box Plant, serving as Union President. In 2011, he transitioned his talents to International Paper- 33 years contribution and a member of the Recovery team (Recovery Operator 1 and Set up Recovery Operator). He graciously gave back to the community through generous donations to the scholars of Bogalusa Middle School and Northshore Charter School. He was always available to assist family and others with his craftsmanship.

In 1994, Eric met the love of his life, Vanessa. Together, they built a beautiful and lasting union, a bond of 32 years, filled with love, commitment and memories. In 1997 they became one and together they shared a beautiful union that included two handsome sons, Rashard Smith (Kehalani Morris and Kason Morris) and Tahj Smith (Alaliyah Robertson) and the additional loves of his life his grandbabies, KeLani and Kobe and a Mother and Father-in-law, (Mr. and Mrs. Jerome & Celeste Young) that adored him as a son.

As a husband, Eric was her love, her rock, protector, provider and her Honey Bunny. He loved Vanessa deeply and stood beside her. His devotion and unwavering love were evident in the way he cared for his family. A love that was “once in a lifetime”. He was her everything!

As a father, Eric was more than a provider- he was a teacher and a role model. He shared his wisdom and knowledge and most importantly led by example. His greatest joy was becoming a father and seeing his family grow and knowing that the values he lived by would continue through them. He loved "his boys” and everyone knew it- everybody knew not to mess with “his boys”. He poured his knowledge in their lives daily- Leaving a legacy.

To say Eric was a proud grandfather, would be an understatement, he was elated! One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. He cherished the love and laughter they brought into his life, and being their Pop-Pop was a role he treasured dearly. As a grandfather, his pride and joy was sharing his last days as a proud Pop-Pop. His entire world became wrapped up in two.

He leaves to cherish his devoted wife, Vanessa Young-Smith; two sons, Rashard Smith and Tahj Smith; Two Grands, KeLani and Kobe Smith; His parents, Mr. David Smith and Mrs. Ann Smith; along with his siblings, Mr. and Mrs. Tandra (Shawn) Wiley, Ms. Jenelle NeCole Smith, Mr. David Lamar Smith, Mr. Sean Smith, Mr. Chad Harshman-Smith, Ms. Amanda Crabtree-Smith, Ms. Mahogany Smith, and Mr. and Mrs. Brian (Gwen) Smith; Mother and Father-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome and Celeste Young; Sister-in-Law, Ms. ToiLoria Young; Uncles, Mr. Willie Short, Rev. Frederick Young, Rev. Cecealine (Violet) Tate; Aunts, Mrs. Adrean Batiste, Mrs. Georgia Short, Mrs. Charlotte Short, Ms. Bessie Carter, Mrs. Emelda Clark, Mrs. Eulah Jackson, Mrs. Ellen Magee, Mr. Clark Smith, Mr. JL Smith, Ms. Bay Smith, Ms. Elaine Smith, Mrs. Zula Knox and Mrs. Gaynell (Warren) Fabre; a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, Sydney, Jeremiah, Nicholas, Sammy, Christian, De’Angelo, Byron, Damion Jr, LaRon, Joseph, Armon, Sarah, Mattie, Noah, Seanacie, Sean, Seantrea, Brianna, Kennedi, Tahi, Larissa, Ja’lea, Le’Asia and friend Ms. Jackie Tate; Goddaughters & Godblessings, Tatayna Moss, Demi Reign Spikes and Ayanna Anderson.

He was preceded in death paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Elnora Short; Grandmother in Law, Mrs. Beulah B. Carter “Granny”; Maternal Grandmother, Mrs. Frankie Smith; Uncles, Mr. Curtis Short, Mr. Tommie Lee Short, Mr. Fermon Short, Mr. Jerome Short, Mr. Donald Short, Jesse Smith, Johnny Smith, Scotty Smith, Dan Smith, Pete Smith, Rev. Landy Carter, Mr. Buddy Lee Carter, Mr. Anthony Young and Mr. Perry Young; Aunts, Mrs. Josephine McClain, Mrs. Sadie Tate, Mrs. Denese Bridges, Mrs. Gloria Dyson, Annette Smith, Lilly Smith, Mrs. Beulah Martin, Mrs. Clirrie Davis, and Grace Saul

Eric’s life was a testament to love, strength, service, family, and perseverance. He touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, family and all those whose lives he influenced.

Though he is no longer with us in person, his love, wisdom, laughter and example will remain in our hearts forever.

Rest peacefully, Eric. Your work here is complete, but your legacy lives on.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 11:00AM - 12:30AM followed by the funeral service at 12:30AM at Greater Starlight Baptist Church, 521 W. 28th Avenue Covington, La. 70433 with Rev. Mallery Callahan II - Officiating. Interment will be held at Duffy Memorial Garden 540 Lees Creek Rd Bogalusa, La. 70427. Crain and Sons Funeral Home - Bogalusa.