Alfred "Al" Ernest Smith, Sr., 81, of Florahome, transitioned into eternal rest peacefully as his spirit left his earthly body to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Palatka Health Care Center following an extended illness. "Al" was a native and life resident of Florahome, born on Tuesday, December 2, 1930 to Hastings & Annie R. (Hughes) Smith. He was educated in the Putnam County School District. At a very early age he joined Evergreen Baptist Church in Florahome and served faithfully until his failing health prevailed. "Al" dedicated his life's work as an over-the-road truck driver for Mayflower Moving Company, Gustafson Milk, and Tampa Independent Dairy Company. During these years "Al" forged lifelong friendships which proved to be immeasurable throughout his life and his illness. If a man is defined by hard work and his good deeds while on earth, "Al" was indeed an extraordinary man. In his spare time he enjoyed landscaping, fishing, listening to music and spending time with friends and family. In addition to his parents, Alfred was greeted in heaven by his parents; siblings, Bertha Brackett, Claretha Henderson, Hastings Smith, Jr., and Clarence Smith; son, Bobby L. Arnold; daughter, Tiffany Smith; brother-in-law, Oliac "O.C." Henderson; and aunt, Robenia Monroe. Those who treasure his loving memories: wife, Leona A. Smith, Palatka; children, Ernest Smith and Linda (Alpha) Mashack, Miami; Larry (Amanda) Smith, Jacksonville; Della (Anthony E.) McCaskill and Anthony (Theresa) Edwards, Interlachen; Dennise S. (Aaron) Debose, Tampa; Sgt. Greg Arnold, Louisville, KY; Bobby (Denise) Arnold, Houston, TX; Barbara Arnold, Jimmy (Tina) Arnold, and Vicki Arnold, Palatka; Michael (Charlene) Arnold, Orange Mills; Jackie (Steven) Holmes, Jacksonville; Gina (Jason) Shaw (devoted daughter and caregiver), Florahome; Alfred (KaTonya) Smith, Jr., Palm Coast; 40 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, sorrowing friends and a special place reserved in his heart for Irving and Norlene Roberts and their sons Joseph, Quint, and Blake Roberts of Carraway. Visitation of family and friends will be from 5 - 7 p.m., Friday, August 3rd at Evergreen Baptist Church, 309 South Wahoo Avenue, Florahome. Homegoing Celebration will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, August 4, at Living Hope Family Worship Center, 1109 State Road 100, Florahome, Pastor Dave Spedden. Rev. Arthur McGruder, pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church is the eulogist. Interment will be in Abilene Cemetery, Putnam Hall.