June 6, 1951 – January 7, 2022
John Randall Smart, faithful and loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away with his family by his side on January 7, 2022 at the age of 70. Randy was born June 6, 1951 in Baton Rouge, LA to Marjorie Schoonmaker Smart and John I. Smart. Leaving to cherish warm memories are his devoted wife of 36 years, Donna Townsend Smart; daughters, Hepzibah Smart, Heather Smart Valenzuela and husband Roberto, Lisette Smart Guma; grandchildren, Raphael Valenzuela, Rio Valenzuela, Sannayah Juanita Valenzuela, Lorenzo Guma and Naomi Guma; sister, Karen Smart Alwood and husband Jerry; sister-in-law, Carolyn Smart; mother-in-law, Linda Jackson Townsend; brothers-in-law, Thomas Townsend and wife Annie, Jonathan Townsend and Crissy. Many nieces and nephews. Special mention of family friend Anthony Bender. Randy cherished being with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He loved the Lord and was continuously reading and studying God’s Word. He enjoyed fishing in his younger years. Making gumbo and teaching people how to enjoy and eat crawfish was his gift. He was a devoted LSU football fan and become his past time while in his favorite comfy recliner. Randy had several occupations, some of which were ironworker, teacher, general foreman at Anheuser Bush and field superintendent at Lever Brothers in Cartersville, GA. The last 15 years of working was as a field superintendent for Industrial Construction Services in Georgia. He loved traveling and lived in Georgia and Tennessee before returning with Heather’s family to his home of Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, John I. Smart and Marjorie Schoonmaker Smart; brother, Steven M. Smart; father-in-law, Don C. Townsend. Family and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs on Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 10:00 AM until religious services at 11:00 AM conducted by Mark Martin. Burial will follow at Palmetto Cemetery in Walker. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to your favorite charity in Randy’s name. Please sign our online registry book.
7 comments
Roger and Linda Mazelin
February 27, 2022 at 10:07 pm
Our hearts cried with yours when we heard of Randy’s passing. We will not forget his jolly laugh, many stories, cartoons (like the turkey counting the days to Thanksgiving), being umpire on the soft ball field… the list could go on a long time, but most of all he genuinely cared about those around him. We miss you all and think of you with love.
Donna Smart
March 2, 2022 at 3:16 am
Thank you for your warm memories of Randy. He and I both enjoyed and cherished our time with all the children. They all held a special place in his heart. The softball games were the best. God bless you.
Paul Mazelin
February 21, 2022 at 2:34 am
Our love and deepest sympathy to you as a family. Randy held a special place in our hearts. Our children have many good memories of their school days under his tutorship. May God be near to you during this difficult time.
Donna Smart
March 2, 2022 at 3:21 am
Randy had a gift of teaching. He enjoyed it and felt a certain responsibility to his students and their parents. He and I recalled so many warm memories of all those precious children. Being with them at school was a cherished time in our lives. We were blessed by being there.
Pete Egan
February 18, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Randy was such a great person. I only new him for a few years but he had a big impact on me. He had a lot of wisdom and he knew how to see the good in people and his optimism and sense of humor will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Donna Smart
February 19, 2022 at 1:47 am
Thank you, Pete. He enjoyed your company and thought alot of you. God bless.
James E Miley
February 17, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Sorry for your loss. I remember his big hearty laugh. He and I were iron workers together. We would share rides when we were on the same job