BOYKINS, VA – Alton Louis Smith, 85, fondly known as Big Louis, of Boykins, Va. left this world on December 9, 2012 at East Pavilion in Franklin, Va.

He was born on May 31, 1927 in Roxobel, NC. He was married to the late Ruby S. Smith for 62 years. He was the son of the late Molly and John Smith. He loved his family and friends.  He never saw a stranger and oh the stories he could tell about him and his family while growing up.

He was preceded in death by four brothers: Jay, Preacher, Jimmy, and Tilman; and three sisters: Hazel Smith, Mary Vick, and Fannie Rhodes.

He is survived by three children, Rebecca Martin and husband, Johnny, of Conway, R.L. Smith and wife, Sharlene, of Branchville, VA and Lori Burgess and husband, Steven, of Conway.  He has seven grandchildren, whom he was so proud of and loved deeply: Dawn Kusy and husband, Kevin, of Wake Forest, NC, Jonathan L. Martin and wife, Rebecca, of Conway, NC, Calissa Carper and husband, Bryan, of Charleston, WV, Garrett L. Smith of Branchville, VA, Noah Burgess of Conway, Adam Burgess and wife, Wendy, of Pendleton, NC, and Trenton L. Burgess of Conway, NC.  He has two great granddaughters, Kirsten Kusy and Madelynn Kusy, both of Wake Forest, NC, who loved their “Big Pops” and a great grandson on the way, Baby Boy Carper.

He is also survived by one sister, Verna Bracy of Rich Square, NC and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving cat, Kitty Kat.

He worked at White & Lassiter Timber Company of Boykins for 41 years and was a member of the Boykins Masonic Lodge for over 50 years.  He was a proud member of the Boykins Volunteer Fire Department for about 60 years during which he served in many capacities, including chief. He was a member of the Boykins Baptist Church and served in the Merchant Marines during World War II.

Visitation will be at Bridgers Funeral Home in Conway on Wednesday, November 12 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Graveside funeral services with Masonic rites will be conducted at 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 13 at Beechwood Cemetery in Boykins, Va.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Boykins Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue, PO Box 347, Boykins, VA 23827 would be appreciated.