William J. Jack Smith

William J. "Jack" Smith, 84, of Westlake died on Thursday, May 24, 2012 in a local hospital.

Mr. Smith was born on February 2, 1928, in Long Leaf, LA, and lived in Westlake for more than 54 years. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was a graduate of Glenmora High School and continued his education at Northwestern University in Natchitoches, LA, before receiving his Master's Degree at Ole Miss. Mr. Smith began his career as a teacher at Westlake High School and became assistant principal of LaGrange High School before retiring from the Calcasieu Parish School Board in 1986 as Superintendant of Curriculum. He then taught at Sowela Technical Institute for 15 years before retiring in 2002.

He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Westlake for 55 years.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Bonnie Honeycutt Smith of Westlake; a son, Rev. David Smith and wife Rachael of Moss Bluff; a daughter, Shelley May and husband Andy of Ball Ground, GA; a sister, Aline Squires and husband Mortimer of Baton Rouge; five grandchildren, Hayden, Andrew, Kaitlyn, and Olivia Smith and Grayson May; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cassie and Gipson Smith; three brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 27, 2012, at the First Baptist Church in Westlake under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Mr. Smith's son, Rev. David Smith as well as Rev. Wayne McEntire will officiate. Burial will follow in Westlake Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will begin at the church on Saturday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and will continue on Sunday at 1:00 PM until the start of the service.