Rev. Victor Mandel Smith

Reverend Victor Smith passed away at the age of 52 on May 24, 2022. Funeral services will take place Saturday, June 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Victorious Life Church, with Pastor E.L. Ross officiating. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Rev. Smith will be laid to rest Tuesday, June 7, at 9:15 a.m. at DFW National Cemetery. On March 9, 1970, Victor was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Annie Mae Allen and Samuel Lee Smith. He is the youngest of 14 children. He attended Watson Chapel High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Upon graduation in 1988, Victor enlisted in the United States Navy where he received the Kuwait Liberation Medal for his service during the Persian Gulf War. After serving seven years, he was honorably discharged as Boatswain’s Mate Third Class in 1995. Victor received his associate's degree from Park University and most recently worked at the Department of Veteran Affairs for the last ten years. Victor married the love of his life, Paula Smith, in 1995. Together, they shared two sons, Robert Gayden and Marcus Gayden. Rev. Smith accepted Christ at an early age. He became a faithful member of the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station Chapel in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. He later moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he became a member of True Vine Baptist Church and accepted his calling into the ministry under the leadership of the Rev. Jesse L Grice in 2008. He joined the Abundant Love Fellowship Church in Waco, Texas, in 2015 where he and his wife worked as Ministry Pastors of the new members orientation, Equipp, and Living in Truth (LIT) ministries. His devotion led him to serve as the Associate Minister and Armor Bearer. Victor embodied most in his life being a man of faith, a loving husband, and a great father. He loved his family unconditionally, advocated for higher education, and enjoyed helping others. It was common for members of the church and the community to seek advice from Victor because of his calm, welcoming presence. He took pride in listening to others… his mantra was “real issues handled by God’s word”. Rev. Smith is survived by his devoted wife, Paula Smith; their children, Robert and Marcus Gayden of Waco, Texas; siblings, Bruce (Linda) Allen, Pastor Douglas (Darlene) Allen, and Diane (John) Gray of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Moses (Dawn) James of Dallas, Texas, Linda Perkins of Watertown, New York, Larry (Jeannette) James, and Ronald James; nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Mae Allen and Samuel Lee Smith, and siblings Mary, Adrian, William Allen, and George Davis.