Submitted by: Dan Rich

General Ludy Smith

Jan. 28, 1914 - Jan. 22, 2000

South Bend Tribune 1/26/2000

General Ludy Smith, also known as Gerald Ludy Smith and "Boy Shane" (named by his family and friends), 86, of Cardinal Nursing Home, South Bend, Indiana, passed away at 11:30 P.M. Saturday, January 22, 2000, in the nursing home following an extended illness. On January 28, 1914, in Winnfield, Louisiana, Gerald was born to the union of the late General and Katie J. (Johnson) Smith. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Gibson and Carrie; and one brother, William Wallace Smith.

In Columbia, Louisiana, on July 25, 1960, he married the late Etta Martin. As a young man, he was a prize fighter for the city of Winnfield. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving in World War II. At the time of his enlistment, General's name was to be changed due to the fact that there could only be one general and not only that, there could not be a black general. In Columbia, he was employed for many years and retired as head chef for Comp's Inn.

Mr. Smith is survived by two sisters, Rosie Lee Williams and Ella Bell Walkert-Harrison, both of South Bend; he was a very special loving uncle to Charles Wilson, Katie Turner, Angie Smith and Ozell Wilson; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday at Alford's Mortuary, where friends may call one half hour prior to the services. Alford's Mortuary has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.