Minister Alvin Eugene Smith, Sr., age 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born on May 3, 1950, to the late Boyd D. Smith and Dorothy Saunders Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gaynell English Smith; a daughter; his sister, Dora E. Smith; and a brother, Boyd R. Smith.

Minister Smith attended Susie G. Gibson High School. He joined Mt. Olivet Baptist Church at an early age. He later became a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

He was a founding member of The English Family Gospel Singers, where he sang and played the bass guitar. He was called into the ministry in 2000. He pastored Olive Branch Baptist Church for several years and then became the Associate Pastor at Mt. Zion.

He worked at Yokohama Tire in Salem, VA, for many years. He also worked with the Bedford Funeral Home until his health no longer allowed. He will truly be missed by his family, church family, and friends.

Those left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Angela L. Smith, son Alvin "AJ" Smith, Jr.; grandchildren Julius Smith and Aubrey Smith; brother Thomas (Bernice) Smith; sister-in-law Barbara Smith; brothers-in-law James English, Leon (Joann) English and Lynwood English; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

I Have a Place in Heaven

Please don't sing a sad song for me.

Forget your grief and fears.

For I am in a perfect place,

away from pain and tears.

I'm far away from hunger,

and hurt and want and pride.

I have a place in Heaven,

with the Master by my side.

My life on Earth was very good,

as earthly lives can go.

But paradise is so much more,

than anyone can know.

My heart is filled with happiness,

and sweet rejoicing, too.

To walk with God in perfect peace,

a joy forever new.