Alfred Samuel Smith Obituary in Montgomery at Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Alfred Samuel Smith

Educator Alfred Samuel Smith, 81, died on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 in Montgomery. For thirty-six years he was a biology professor and administrator at Alabama State University, retiring in 2012 as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Interim Provost. At that time ASU created the Alfred S. Smith Leadership Symposium. He was a consultant to multiple institutions, including Sokiene University, Morongoro, Tanzania in East Africa and served on the Alabama Articulation and General Studies Committee. Also, he chaired numerous ASU committees, especially those impacting the entire university, and worked on higher education accreditation committees for the College of Charleston, Grambling State University, and at least fifteen other southern schools. Dr. Smith attended Bethune-Cookman University for a bachelor’s degree, Howard University for a master’s and Ph.D. in zoology, and University of Michigan as a Rackham Postdoctoral Fellow and an American Council on Education Fellow. He affiliated with multiple scientific and higher education organizations. He particularly cherished membership at St. John’s AME Church where he was known as a Steward, talented Bible teacher and prayer-giver, and delegate to the Alabama River Region Annual Conference. Alfred Smith is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Patricia Elaine Moore Smith; sons Dr. Alfred Redie Smith and Jonathan Thearthur Smith; grandsons James Chase Smith and Steven Alfred Smith; sister Helen Nelson; and sister Connie Jones, her daughter Paula Lay, and her daughter Lailah Hall. Other survivors are sisters in-law and brothers in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, and loyal friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from St. John AME Church with Pastor Roosevelt Williams, III, officiating. Interment will follow in Alabama Heritage Cemetery.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

ELAINE PLEASE KNOW I FEEL YOUR PAIN. I CAN ONLY SIT WITH YOU. GOD PUTS A RAINBOW IN EVERY CLOUD. YOUR ANGEL SISTER LYNETTE

It is a honor and pleasure to call Dr. Smith my "Friend and Client." As I reflect on Dr. & Mrs. Smith looking at houses and selecting just the right house to become their home; it made me happy that my friend was my client. A client with a pleasant personality and friendly demeanor that will truly be missed. Dr. Smith, thank you for allowing me to serve you. Chester Mallory, Mallory Realty Company

It was an honor to have worked with Dr Smith during my tenure at ASU. I will always remember him as a quiet, well-mannered, professional gentleman,. His intellectual skills and unparalleled talents were evident in everything he did. RIP, Dr. Smith
Johnny L. Jeter

It was an honor to have worked with Dr. Smith during my tenure at ASU. While he was a quiet, mild-mannered gentleman, his intellectual skills and unparalleled talents were evident in everything he did. Rest In Peace, Dr. Smith.
Johnny L. Jeter

I will always remember the day that Alfred Smith was summoned from his Biology Classroom to the President's Office at ASU. He was timid and not sure of why he was being summoned. His ambition in coming to ASU had been to accompany his wife who was the primary prospect for work at ASU. Following a telephone call from then President Moore of Bethune-Cookman College, Dr. Watkins learned that Smith had ambitions to work in Higher Education Administration. Moore was Smith's father-in-Law, for whom Watkins held great respect. To Smith's surprise, Watkins, following President Moore's plea, offered Smith the vacant position of Assistant Vice-President for Academic Affairs. With much hard work and academic skill, Dr. Alfred S. Smith served well in the position and had great success during his three decades as Assistant VP for Academic Affairs. The rest is history! May he rest in Peace. Charles Varner, Jr., former ASU Vice President for University Advancement.

My heart is with you, Patricia Elaine. Your husband was a fine man and always kind and helpful to me as a faculty member at ASU. My prayers are with you and your family.

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. | Montgomery, AL