Obituary of Leonard C. Smith

Leonard Clyde Smith, 75, of Vineland, New Jersey took his flight on January 25, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Inspira Health Medical Center in Vineland, New Jersey. Leonard was born on March 15, 1948, to the late Ulysses Smith of New York and Mother Billie Greta Smith of Bridgeton, New Jersey. Leonard was aka Uncle Lenny, New York and Bro. Leonard. He was affectionately known as the Candyman distributing candy to both children and adults alike. Leonard attended Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, New York. He worked for Lincoln Specialty’s Care Center in Vineland, New Jersey. He is a Bible School graduate of the Cumberland Bible Institute which is now called Last Day Remnant Bible College. He was the first maintenance man for In His Image Ministry Church as well as the Empowerment Center. Leonard was also a dedicated usher and a faithful choir member. The song that the saints most loved to hear Leonard sing was “Trouble Don’t Last Always!” Fond memories of Leonard were for years, Leonard would be the church Santa Claus where he would dress up in a Santa suit carrying a sac of gifts while echoing “Ho, Ho, Ho!” The children would be so excited to sit on Santa’s lap to tell him all that they wanted. Leonard was a lover of all sports. He was especially a diehard Eagles fan!!! One of his favorite past times was swimming at Elder and Evang. Days house. Leonard was predeceased by his father, Ulysses Smith and his mother, Billie Smith; his brother, Ulysses Smith (Smitty), Jr. Leonard leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Lydia F. Santiago-Smith; his daughter, Oniekie Smith; her mom, Linda Smith; two sisters: Elizabeth English & Cheryl (Dennis) Thompson; nieces: Tamika (Eugene) Teague, Ebony Smith, Aniya Broughton, Alaysia Thompson, Harmonee Thompson; nephews: Javon Thompson, Omar Thompson, Kareem (Faith) Thompson, EJ Teague and Zion Teague; A special friend Anna Ward who was Leonard’s resident caretaker; A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Leonard was family to all his In His Image Family. Lovingly Submitted, The Family Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, Febuary 3rd, at In his Image Evangelical Ministries, 335 Gouldtown Woodruff Rd., Bridgeton. Friends will be received at the church from 10 AM to 11 AM prior to the services. Interment will take place at Laurel Lawn Cemetery in Upper Deerfield Twp. following the service. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral homes website www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.