Guy Haskins Smith III, passed away Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, doting grandfather, a cherished brother, and a loyal friend. Known for his kind and gentle soul, Guy touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Guy enjoyed an active lifestyle traveling with his wife, Lynn, to many locations they desired to experience and volunteering to caddy for his grandson, Owen’s golf excursions. He enjoyed tossing baseballs and footballs with his grandson, George, and directing the boundless joyful energy of his grandson, Jack, in is his most current passion project. Guy was born in Campbellsville, Ky., to Guy Haskins Smith Jr., and Barbara Cox. He graduated from the University of Kentucky. There, he met Lynn Marsh, and in 1972, they married and had a full life together. They moved to Lake Charles shortly thereafter, and raised their two children, Sarah Elizabeth and Virginia Anne, in the home they restored on Kirby Street, where they have lived for more than 40 years. Guy loved Lake Charles and was active in the community. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he volunteered. He loved his daily walks and was a familiar face around the neighborhood, offering assistance–be it changing tires or light bulbs, fixing kids’ bicycles, mowing neighbor’s lawns or preparing their houses for hurricanes, wherever he encountered a need. When not traveling or visiting with his family, he could often be found at the Lake Charles Racquet Club playing tennis or out on the golf course. For over three decades, he served in leadership at Howell Industries, always leading with respect and integrity.
Guy is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn; his children, Sarah Raye (Michael) of Houston and Ginny Stegner (Travis) of Fort Worth; his grandchildren, Owen Raye and Jack and George Stegner; his sisters, Cindy Newcomb (Allen) of Southwick, Mass. and Barbara DeSpain of Denver; in-laws, Richard and Nancy Marsh of Jacksonville, Fla., and his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Guy and Barbara; his sister, Sarah Campbell, and his brother-in-law, Robert DeSpain.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sept. 27, 2025 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles, 812 Kirkman Street. Following services, the family will receive guests at Paxton Hall in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles or Second Harvest Food Bank (https://no-hunger.org/).
