Burl Stephen Smith's Obituary
Mr. Burl Stephen “Butch” Smith was born on September 6, 1946 in Oakland, California, and baptized in the Catholic Church. Burl served 29 years in the Oakland Fire Department and was looking forward to his retirement soon. Prior to that he worked for the Federal Government in Oakland and San Pedro, working various jobs but was primarily the lead forklift driver for the mortuary. He was determined to be a firefighter and studied strenuously to join the ranks of other family members who were in the Oakland Fire Department. He was a member of the first class firefighters to graduate from the Emergency Employment Act sponsored by the City of Oakland. He was a graduate of Oakland Technical High School, class of ’64 and attended community college until he became a firefighter on March 10, 1972.Burl loved being with his family more than life itself, his four sons and one daughter always referred to him as “their best friend”. His second family were his “brothers and sisters” at the various firehouses he worked. Burl prided himself on being “The” car mechanic; his hobbies (based on a strict budget) were going to the racetrack and playing the lottery. He loved football and baseball and usually took over the house on Sunday and Monday nights. He also enjoyed music, preferring jazz, R & B, the Motown sound and especially The Temptations. He loved to debate current events with his wife and family. Burl loved life and had a smile for everyone he met, and especially for those he loved. He was an extremely practical and methodical individual and always added his own special humor to any situation. Burl is survived and loved by his grieving wife of 27 years Rene Carney Smith, his charming ex-wife, Margo Carrillo Smith, his loving children Parrish Stephen Marcel Smith, Marcus DeVon Romero Smith, Salayfo Shawn Demetrius Smith, Venus Valeta Teresa Smith and Ashley Cedric Stephen Smith. His loving parents Burl and Dean Smith, his sister Dean Karen Smith, eight grandchildren, and a large family of uncles, aunts, cousins, and in-laws. Including an enormous amount of friends, colleagues and acquaintances.He was definitely one of God’s best, loved, admired and respected by all. He will be missed beyond any capacity known, but he will always remain in everyone’s heart that knew and loved him. God has truly blessed him now and he has joined the highest of ranks.There will be a quiet hour held from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Monday, October 15, 2001 at Sacred Heart Church, located on 40th and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way in Oakland, CA. The Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2001 at Sacred Heart Church, located on 40th and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way in Oakland, CA. There will be reception at the church hall room following the service.Please send flowers directly to the Church for Monday anytime or Tuesday morning. Donation information will be provided at the service.Chapel of the ChimesOakland (510) 654-0123″Service of Marked Distinction”
What’s your fondest memory of Burl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Burl?
Share a story where Burl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Burl you’ll never forget.
How did Burl make you smile?