Rev. Carl C. Smith , 85, of Center, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M.., Thursday, August 17, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Center, Texas.  Rev. Mike Belgard and Bro. Mike Brister will officiate. Interment will be Friday 10:00 A.M. at Sibley Cemetery, 4917 Plainview Rd., Florien LA 71429.

Born April 9, 1938, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Carl is the son of Cecil Coleman Smith and Bonnie Sibley Smith.  He served in the United States Army Reserve for eight years, and also served in the Louisiana National Guard. Carl dedicated his life to service in ministry. Serving as youth and recreation at Hampton Place Baptist Church in Dallas TX and FBC W. Monroe LA. He served as a Baptist Student Union director at Southwestern University in Hammond LA and also for most of the colleges in Shreveport, including Centenary and LSUS. From 1980-1993 he served as the Minister of Education at FBC Center and lead pastor from 1993-2003.  He also served as interim pastor of other churches with the latest being Lone Star Baptist of Center TX. During retirement he was a member of the Singing Men of East Texas.

He is survived by his wife and lifelong friend, Charlotte Smith of Center, Texas who was a blessing to him for over 6 years; children, Matthew Coleman Smith and wife Brandi of Wylie, Texas, Carla Jo Smith Denney and husband Kurt of Center, Texas, Jonathan Charles Smith and Ryan Carr of Atlanta, Georgia; Sister-in-laws Carol Philbrick and Jackie Smith; stepdaughters, Cindy Premeaux, Cathy Tall, and Christy Cosey; six grandchildren, Hannah Chase, Samuel Chase, Sibley Smith, Libby Smith, Sydney Gipson, and Corey Denney; nine step grandchildren; eight step great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by wife of 52 years, Sally Philbrick Smith; parents, Cecil Coleman Smith and Bonnie Sibley Smith; brothers and sister, Gerald Cecil Smith, Travis Wendell Smith, and Sybil Doris Edwards; and brother-in-law, Howard Lee Edwards. Sister-in-law Nancy Segue'.

Pallbearers will be Corey Denney, Samuel Chase, Jason Locke, Terry Scull, Drue Scull, and Wayne Christian.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Harold Hanson, Teddy Hopkins, and Larry Rymal.

Special thanks to Affinity Hospice of Center and Janelle O'Pry with Right at Home of Nacogdoches for their care given with such dignity and respect.

Memorial donations may be made to StepStones Ministry International, 101 Hurst Street, Suite 300, Center, Texas 75935 or Navigators at www.donations.navigators.org