Mr. Claude Smith, III

Obituary For Mr. Claude Smith, III

Claude Smith III, son of the late Claude Smith Sr. and Louise Adams was born on May 10,1954 in Chicago, IL. He attended public schools in Chicago and Florida.

After Graduating High School at the age of 17, Claude enlisted in The United States Army. In 1972, he was deployed oversees as part of the Cold War effort as a Duty Officer at Second General Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. He received an Honorable Discharge and returned Home to Chicago, IL.

In August 1979, he became a Proud Father of one son, Malachi Adam Bivins, following two years later in August 1981, he was blessed with his daughter, Sarina Louise Cheeseboro.

Claude was an entrepreneur with many talents and accomplishments. He was a licensed Chef, hair stylist, Mechanic, and Salesperson. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with family, Grandchildren, and Great-grandchildren.

In 1999, Claude met the Love of His Life, Janice Wright while living in Apoka, FL. They were united in Holy Matrimony in 2008, which two sons was added to the Family, Lawrence Rice and Brice Wright.

Claude Smith III departed this life on Thursday, October 31, 2024. He was preceded in death by his Father, Claude Smith Sr, Mother Louise Adams, (Son) Maitland Tyrone Thompson, (Brother) George Smith, (Brother) Clarence Haynes, plus three Siblings. Four (Uncles) Wayne Smith, Wendell Smith, Johnnie B. Smith, and Jimmie Smith.

He will be Greatly missed by his Wife, Janice Wright-Smith of Wichita, KS, (Son) Malachi Bivins of Phoenix, AZ; (Daughter) Sarina Cheeseboro (Terrence Cheeseboro) of Olive Branch, MS; (Son) Lawrence Rice (Donna Rice) of Indianapolis, IN; (Son) Brice Wright of Wichita, KS; (Daughter) Laurene Fortney (Kevin Fortney) of Phoenix, AZ; (Special Daughter) Ashaunta Bivins of Chicago, IL; (Son) Vernon Bivins of Vacaville, CA; (Son) Marco Bivins of Louisville, KY. (Sisters) Sarina Smith, Claudette Smith, Loretta Smith, Claudia Stinson, Tricey Jordan all of Chicago, IL. Clasheryl Smith of Little Rock, AR; Clashawn Thurmon of DHS, CA. (Brothers) Daryl Smith, Kenneth Smith both of Chicago, IL; Claude Haynes (Felicia Haynes) of Chicago, IL; Alfonso Haynes (Lydia Haynes) of The Woodlands, TX. (Uncle) George Knox (Carol Knox) of Chicago, IL. (Special Bothers) Lonnie Marks of Monroe, LA and Jerry Levy of Wichita, KS. (Grandchildren) Sakevia Bivins (Omari Johnson) of Starkville, MS; Malachi Bivins Jr of Orlando, FL; Makhale Bivins of Chicago, IL; Maitland Bivins of Crestview, FL; Marquis Pittman of Olive Branch, MS; Brailin Wright & Kennedy Bables of Eldorado, KS; Ava of Chicago, IL; Jaiden Cheeseboro of Nashville, TN. (Great-Grandchildren) Keizer, Paisli, and Zaine all of Starkville, MS; Trai’Janai Bivins of Orlando, FL. And a Host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends….

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 12:00PM - 2:00PM at Carlson Colonial Funeral Home, 200 South Star, El Dorado, KS 67042 with funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Interment will be on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM in Sandy Ridge Cemetery in Burdette, Arkansas.

McDonald-Horne Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.