Leonard Lloyd Smith, Jr.

Leonard Lloyd Smith, Jr., 81, of 108 Dutchman Lane, Asheville, died Thursday, January 17, 2013, at the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center. A native of Buncombe County, he was the only child of L. L. and Quincey Alice Fore Smith. After graduating from West Buncombe High School, Lloyd attended beauty school before joining the US Army, where he served in the Signal Corps and Chaplain's Office in Germany. He then attended Blanton's Business College. He returned to hair styling at Ivey's and he and his wife owned a successful beauty shop in South Ashevillle, Lloyd's Beauty Salon. In 1979, he became an integral part of Clement's Flower Shop where he worked until recently. Lloyd's life revolved around music and he participated in many choirs. He will be remembered for his wonderful baritone voice. He was a true renaissance man. Surviving are two daughters, Tena Baker and Holly Thompson and husband, Michael, all of Asheville; and three grandsons, Jamie, Sean, and Ben. Also surviving is the mother of his children, Corena Smith and his special friend and partner, John Grooms of Asheville. The family will gather to greet friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. A graveside service conducted by the Rt. Rev. Robert H. Johnson, will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. The family is grateful to all of Lloyd's friends, caregivers, nurses and physicians, especially Dr. John Dean and Dr. Brian Asbill. Each person made a difference in his life and no deed has gone unnoticed. Memorial contributions may be made to the Episcopal Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan Street, Asheville, NC 28803, or to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.