Terry Kent Smith was born to his parents on April 8, 1955 in El Dorado, Arkansas. He was born into God’s family at an early age when he placed his faith in Jesus at Spearsville Baptist Church.
Growing up in Spearsville, Louisiana, he lived to the max a country boy’s life of hunting, fishing, and playing sports. He was especially proud to have helped Spearsville High School win two state championships in baseball. Although mostly a good student, he was also in the middle of every joke and prank while making memories with his much loved classmates.
After graduating from Spearsville High School, Kent joined the United States Air Force. During his four years of service, he was able to see other states in the U.S. and also parts of Europe while stationed in England. His service to his country was a source of pride for him as well as a period of personal growth. After being discharged from the Air Force, the country life drew him back for many happy years of gardening, raising an assortment of farm animals, and many well-loved pets in Era, Texas, while making a living as a cashier at a nearby casino.
Health issues forced Kent to move back home to Spearsville in 2008 and then to Alpine Skilled Nursing and Rehab in Ruston, Louisiana in 2022 where he passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025. Despite his physical challenges, Kent never lost his love for and interest in his family and many friends. He was eager to learn what each one was up to as well as the news of the day. Following his favorite sports teams, especially LSU and the Saints, was a huge source of enjoyment for him.
A graveside service for Kent will be held Saturday, October 25, at 2:00 PM, in Canaan Cemetery in Spearsville, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA. Officiating will be his brother, Reverend Connie Smith. Preceding him in death were his parents, James Morrece Smith and Meada Post Smith and his sister, Linda Kaye Smith Risinger. He is survived by his brothers, James Frank Smith and wife Susan, and Connie Morrece Smith and wife Linda; niece Angela Smith Edwards and husband Mo; nephews, Todd Risinger and wife Vicky, Scott Risinger and wife Lesha, Jamie Risinger and wife Kelley, and John Risinger and wife Tricia; many great nieces and nephews; aunt, Barbara Burbank; uncle, Bill Post; and many cousins.
The family offers special thanks to Kent’s caregivers through the years both at home and at Alpine Skilled Nursing and Rehab. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Kent’s memory may be made to the Union Humane Society, P.O. Box 1073, Farmerville, LA 71241 or to Canaan Baptist Church, 502 Canaan Church Rd., Spearsville, LA 71277.
