Shelby Lee Smith

Shelby Lee Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on July 23, 1932, Shelby spent his early years in Oklahoma City, where he graduated from Classen High School in 1950. He then attended Southern Methodist University, where he met the love of his life, Adelaide Harrison Smith. Shelby graduated in 1954 from the SMU Cox School of Business, as part of its first real estate class.

A dedicated entrepreneur, Shelby played an integral role in many family businesses, including the Harrison Company and the C.W. Lane Company, where he eventually served as longtime Chairman. His business ventures spanned multiple industries, including insurance, real estate development, hotel development and operations, nursing homes, theater management, and later, oil and gas. He also served on the board of directors of First National Bank and on the board of Wheless Industries Inc. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Shelby was deeply committed to civic and philanthropic service. He served on the SMU Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1992 and was a lifetime Trustee of the Noel Foundation. He was a former Chairman of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana and co-chaired the local branch of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He was also an active member of numerous civic organizations and social engagements, including serving as the 36th King of the Cotillion and past President of the Cotillion Club. Additionally, he was a Captain of the Royal Order of The Jesters.

Shelby had a passion for travel, history, and Scottish heritage, enjoying summers and autumns at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was a proud member of the Scottish Tartan Society and had a deep appreciation for the history of the American West and Methodist Church. In 2019, he was honored by Centenary College of Louisiana as their Honorary Alumni of the Year, a recognition he was deeply proud of. However, his favorite thing to do, and the thing he was most proud of, was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Angie Smith and Bess Owens Smith; his brothers, William Angie Smith Jr. and Bryant Wesley Smith; his brother-in-law, O.D. Harrison Jr.; and his son-in-law, Donald Gilbert Easterwood.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Adelaide Harrison Smith; daughter, Jennie Lane Easterwood of Lexington, KY; sons, Shelby Lee Smith Jr. of Santa Fe, NM, and William Harrison Smith (Cissie) of Shreveport, LA. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Delton Harrison Smith (Caroline), Randolph Robert Smith, Edward Shelby Smith, Shelby Elizabeth Easterwood, and Mary Katherine Easterwood. Additionally, he leaves behind his nephews, W. Angie Smith III (Connie), Bryan Smith (Lori), and Bryant Wesley Smith (Courtney), as well as his niece, Rebecca Morris (Roby), and cousins, Pat Purvis and Anne Shannon (Kelly).

Honoring Shelby as pallbearers will be Stacy Williams, Jack Easterwood, Michael Watts, Kerry Harris, Joseph Littlejohn, Karlton Methvin, Ben Walker, and Jeremy Johnston. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Kings of the Cotillion.

The family extends special gratitude to Janice Smith, Rose Booker, Amanda Wilson, and Philana Brisker, as well as Dr. Paul Guidry and his staff, for their compassionate care.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home on Marshall Street. A funeral service will take place on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Noel United Methodist Church, 520 Herndon St, Shreveport, Louisiana. A private family burial will be held before the service. Officiating the service will be Reverend Max Zehner and Reverend Kaylan Walker. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Noel United Methodist Church, 520 Herndon St, Shreveport, LA 71101 or the United Methodist Foundation, 8337 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 or a charity of one’s choice.

Shelby Lee Smith lived a life filled with love, integrity, and dedication to his family, business, and community. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.