RAYNE – Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 2 p.m. for Lawrence “Chalk” Joseph Smith, 86, who died Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at American Legion Hospital in Crowley.

Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2 in Rayne.

Surviving are three sons, Jimmy Smith, Sr. and wife Peggy of Rayne, Larry Smith of Rayne, and Kenneth Smith of Mire; seven grandchildren, Lisa Smith Soileaux and husband Darrell of Rayne, Janice Smith Stutes and husband Thomas of Crowley, Jonathan Smith of Mire, Shase Smith of Mire, John Dale Smith of Kaplan, and Sabrina Bilodeaux Smith of Canada; three great-grandchildren, Tommy Stutes of Crowley, Trent Stutes of Crowley, and Leslee Soileaux of Rayne; and three great-great-grandchildren, Kathryn, Madelyn, and Trevor.

He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-nine years, Bernice Cormier Smith; one grandchild, Jimmy Smith, Jr.; parents, Octave Smith and Nocial Roach Benoit Smith; six brothers, Pio Benoit, Yave Benoit, Serro Smith, Cob Smith, Tee Smith, and Ferre Smith; and two sisters, Nola Materne, Artemise Hiegle.

He was born Friday, November 24, 1922 in Mire, son of the late Octave Smith and Nocial Roach Benoit Smith.

Mr. Chalk was well-known not only in the Acadiana area, but in the nation as a game cock breeder. He operated Chalk’s Pit for over 30 years under his guidance. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends and business associates.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2009.

Friends will be received Wednesday, February 11, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Thursday, February 12, 2009 from 8 a.m. until service time at Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. in Rayne.

Pallbearers will be his three sons, Jimmy Smith, Larry Smith, Kenneth Smith and grandson Jonathan Smith and two great grandchildren Tommy Stutes, Trent Stutes. Honorary pallbearers will be grandson-in-laws, Darrell Soileaux, Thomas Stutes.

A special thanks to the American Legion Post 77 in Rayne for the military services the will be providing.

A special thanks to Dr. Duhon, Dr. Curtis, Dr. Vincent and the staff on the third floor at American Legion Hospital in Crowley.

Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home of Rayne.