Reverend Floyde Smith, Jr

A GOOD MAN, HUSBAND AND FATHER!

Sunrise February 10,1953 – Sunset July 9, 2021

 

Floyde Smith affectionately known as “Poppey” was born February 10, 1954 in Chicago, IL. Floyde was the second child born to the union of Floyde Smith Sr. and Dorothy Dooley who both preceded him in death. Floyde had one Brother William Dooley who also preceded him in death, god sisters Vivian McCade and Tiffany McCoy, and sister-in-laws: Jessie Lee Peterson, Mary Mason, and Patricia Hopkins and brothers-in-laws: Eugene Peterson, Raymond Peterson, Larry Peterson, and Jerry Hopkins.

 

Floyde married the love of his life Loretta Ann Peterson in 1972, whom he knew since he was thirteen. They were happily married for 49 years. Floyde was a devoted, proud, and loving father of 2 children; Carla Renée (Eddie) and Carlton Gerard (Evette).

 

Floyde attended and graduated Dunbar High School, in Chicago. Floyde was extremely ambitious and started working at an early age.  He went on to further his education by attending Chicago Polytech University college pursuing certifications in Health Physics.  Floyde pursued most academic studies while employed. This higher level of education and discipline afforded the opportunity for Floyde to work for Fermilab, which eventually led him to transfer to Los Alamos National Laboratory. LANL, relocated Floyde and Loretta to Los Alamos, NM in 1980 where he retired in 2012 and where they have lived ever since.

 

Floyde’s faith began at an early age at his church home in Chicago, First Church of Deliverance where he was a Minister of Music when he left. In 1980, he furthered his faith by attending bible college where he earned his seminar degree.

He was part of a large spiritual family in New Mexico where he served as an Associate Pastor at Calvary Chapel Los Alamos. Where they dearly loved him, his infectious smile, his positive attitude and they looked forward to his encouragement, and his wisdom.  He cherished his family and friends there, rarely missing a Sunday service.  Every chance he could he shared his faith with others.  He was a humble servant of our Lord

 

He loved cooking gourmet food. To know Floyde was to know that about him. He traveled with his spices in his suitcase when taking annual trips back to Chicago or anywhere for that matter where he was visiting loved-ones. In fact, he passed his love of cooking trait onto his children, as cooking and camaraderie was the spice of his life and a most definitely favorite pastime; whipping up some delicious meal in any kitchen made Floyde happy. He catered weddings, anniversaries, and intimate dinners.

 

He loved gospel music, concerts, travel, joyful times, quality time with family small and large.  Everyone was welcome and invited. He experienced joy in doing things for others and giving. Being a people-person, he was very kind to people even if he didn’t know them and he always lived by the golden rule “treat others the way you want to be treated” something he consistently tried to instill in his children and grandchildren. And boy, was he the best secret keeper.  His high energy, positive attitude and witty personality will be greatly missed, gone but never forgotten.

 

To know Floyde you knew that he loved his wife, he loved his children, and he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he loved his nieces, he loved his nephews, his in-laws who really became his brothers and sisters, their sons and daughters, his friends, his spiritual family. No matter the challenges life brought his way, he always maintained a positive attitude.

 

Though leaving us at the early age of 67, Floyde lived a full and happy life as he leaves to cherish his memories; his loving wife (Loretta Smith), their two children (Carla Tafoya), his Son (Carlton Smith), his son-in-law (Eddie Tafoya), his grandsons Dominique Smith-Sugar, DeJahn Tafoya, Koby Luster, Kerry Atkinson, his granddaughters Trinity Smith and DeJa Tafoya, and his great-gr and a host of many loving relatives and friends who will continue to cherish his loving memory.

 

Floyde encouraged many people with his passion and zest for living, his numerous accomplishments, and his courageous fight throughout his hard times of life to stay strong and to stay courageous as demonstrated when suffering the loss of two granddaughters Coco and Tahjma, and one great-granddaughter Aaliyah.  In fact, the strength he displayed most times will always be what we remember most about him. He never let you see him sweat.

 

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (Floyde’s favorite verse and license plate)

 

The family offers sincere appreciation for all your acts of kindness. You brought comfort to us through your prayers, calls and cards. We will be eternally grateful.

 

July 16th. There will be an 10am Celebration of life honoring Floyde Smith at Calvary Chapel of Los Alamos (580 N Mesa Rd). For those who are unable to attend there will be a livestream at http://calvaryla.com. Our beloved Floyde will be cremated by Rivera Funeral Homes of Espanola.  Any love donations Floyde gave to several charities: Shalom Ministry, Karios, American Kitchen and Operation Blessing.