Christian Business Directory Founder C. A. “Lon” Smith Passes at 79

C. A. “Lon” Smith

Founder of The Christian Business Directory, Cecil Alonza “Lon” Smith, of Fort Lauderdale, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on January 23, 2021 in the comfort of his home with his family.

 

Lon  (as he was known), spent the first part of his career in the food industry working for Kellogg’s and Kitchens of the Oceans, where he became the national sales manager traveling the country, before turning to establishing his own business, The Christian Business Directory. He enjoyed Christian counseling, having a radio program, and serving his savior Jesus Christ. His heart was to serve. He was on the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Committee, Year of the Bible, Freedoms Foundation, Westminster Academy School Board, Head usher at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church for 19 years, as well as a deacon, and elder. His hobbies involved playing the guitar, family and prayer. He was a master wordsmith having the gift of turning any conversation into a witnessing opportunity. He sowed so many seeds for the Kingdom that “gardener” was his second career.

 

The youngest of three children, Lon was born November 27, 1941 in Lake Worth, FL. He graduated from Stranahan High School in 1959. He attended University of Miami. He attended Calvary Presbyterian Church where he met the love of his life Gail as she was playing the piano. The high school sweethearts were married July 15,1961. As iron sharpens iron, they grew to strengthen each other for Kingdom work. He is preceded by his parents Welton & Mary Smith and his two brothers Welton Jr. & William Smith.

 

Lon was a generous man who loved life and the people God brought into his path. All who knew him would experience unconditional love and know who his Father was. He faced many health challenges with great courage, grace and even excitement of how God would use it for His glory. Often saying that his family is his greatest accomplishment he loved spending time with them. Lon is survived by his loving wife Gail, of 59 years, along with their daughters and sons-in-love Ken & Sally Smith Purvis, Dave & Sandy Hall, and grandchildren Celia A. & Jimmy Davis, and Erika Hall; To his family he was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, pappa and overall inspiration.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 30th, 2021 at 5 o’clock in the evening at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. The service will be live streamed as well January 30th at 5 p.m. on crpc.tv

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Deacons Benevolence Fund at crpc.org/give

 

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