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Wendell Smith was born July 28, 1961, in Independence, to the late Herbert and Vertis M. Smith.

He departed this life on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge.

He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving wife, Cynthia A. Smith; four sons, Christopher Dell Grayer of Amite, Osborn Edwards, Nehemiah (Latisha) Taylor, both of Hattiesburg, Miss., and Donarich (Warnetta) Taylor of Bogalusa; one daughter, Leslie Brown of Dayton, Ohio; 20 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ivory Lee (Elizabeth) Smith of Amite and Patrick O’Neal (Rosalyn) Smith of Bogalusa; one sister, Akimmie Lynn Smith Wesley of Independence; a special nephew, Antron D. Serber of Independence; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Vertis M. Smith; two brothers, Herbert (Punchy) Smith Jr. and Ronald Smith; and one sister, Regina Smith.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. at the Cook-Richmond Funeral Home in Bogalusa, with the Rev. Loranzo Magee Sr. officiating. Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 15, from noon until 5 p.m. with a family hour from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Cook-Richmond Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Sign the guestbook online at www.cookrichmondfuneralhome.com.