Bonnie Lee "Swamp" Smith

Bonnie Lee “Swamp” Smith, 85, of DeRidder, LA, passed peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 19, 2022.

“Swamp” was married to, Sharon for sixty-one years. He was an Army Veteran and served in the reserves during the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Bonnie Lee traveled the world, having worked on every continent except Antarctica, including thirty plus foreign countries. He was a 32ndDegree Mason, a member of the American Legion and former member of the Rotary Club. His greatest joy was being a pilot with interest in all aviation, and a great second interest in WWII history. Pipelining was his occupation, with all related oil industry work, and a rancher after retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Smith of DeRidder, LA; nieces and nephews, Ricky Smith and Rhonda of Weatherford, TX, Debra Smith of DeRidder, LA, Sandra Hayes and Doug of DeRidder, LA, Carla Brown and Tom of DeRidder, LA, William J. Hastings and Gina of Yorktown, IL; brother-in-law, George G. Pitts of Palm Bay, FL and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rosa Smith; brother, Earl E. Smith and sister, Mary Jo Hastings.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 from, 10:00 AM until the time of service at 2:00 PM at Grace Church in DeRidder, LA. Brother Lynn Clayton and Pastor George Lee Glass will officiate the service. Active pallbearers, Terry Cooley, Craig Martin, Mike Mathis, Tony Calhoun, Benjamin Berger, Nick Gerhig. Honorary pallbearers, James Weeks, Teddy Welch, Clint Hixson, Elton Jordan, Tom Brown, Jim Roberts, Jean Jenkins (cousin), Carl Hoffpauer, Jody Campbell, William Smith, Shannon Elliott of Sunset, LA, Charlie Hamilton of Houma, LA, Jeff Martindale of Jasper, TX, Cecile VanWinkle of DeQuincy, LA, Frank Arender of Lufkin, TX, Brother Bell of New Roads, LA. Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.