Pastor Wilbur Lee Smith Sr

On September 22, 1922, Frankie and Lee A. Smith gave birth to their only son, Wilbur L. Smith Sr.  As a child, Wilbur honed his dance skills. Along with his sister, he traveled as a performer throughout the country. His parents preceded him in death, as did one son, Everett Lamar Smith and his only sister, Loreatha Ruby.

Wilbur was a bright student, even skipping 2 grades while in school. Sometime after his formal education, duty called, and he joined the United States Army. During his tour in World War II, he served as a Light 2 ½ Ton Truck Driver for the 4005th Quartermaster Truck Company, United States Army. He participated in area operations of Central Europe, the Rhineland, Normandy, Northern France, and the Ardennes. Wilbur was also a heroic participant in the last major German offensive, the “Battle of the Bulge”.  Private-First Class Smith was awarded 5 Bronze Stars, Lapel Button, American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon, 3 Overseas Bars, and the Victory Ribbon. Upon his return from serving in World War II, Wilbur attended, as he would call it, a “Great Revival” and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. A few months later, Brother Smith accepted the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While serving at Evangelist Temple COGIC, he met the love of his life, Orpha Rice, who was a faithful member of the church. Wilbur and Orpha began a courtship, and later he asked for her hand in marriage. They served faithfully at the church, until they began their own ministry. Along with his wife, Orpha, he founded his church in 1952 and began his ministry with a few family members and 7 others. Their first church, Smith Tabernacle, was a store front located at 2615 E 18th St. Kansas City, Missouri. He and his wife pastored at numerous locations, finally settling at 4441 Kensington Avenue, where the Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ was cemented. Over the years, he’s held numerous roles in the Church of God in Christ, serving the organization faithfully. At the time of his death, Pastor Smith served as the 2nd Administrative Assistant to the Bishop of Western Missouri 2nd Jurisdiction of the National Church of God in Christ.

Pastor Smith lived by the principles he was taught as a child. He believed a good husband and father should work tirelessly to support his family. Although, his priorities were to God, family, and Church, he also attended Kansas City Business College and worked hard to provide for his family, until he reached his retirement from Imco Container Company. Wilbur and Orpha raised 9 sons and 5 daughters, teaching them, along with his church family, to be covenant-keepers and to fear the Lord.  He accomplished this by setting a Godly example before them and applying biblical teachings to his life and by standing firmly on the word. Without respect of persons, he encouraged them to give unto the Lord their time, gifts, and devotion, and to study and follow the Word of God. History will most remember that he and Orpha kept their arms and hearts opened and continued welcoming others into their large family. A beacon of light in the neighborhood, the Smith household was a haven for many, becoming an ever-present help to families and the community. To dwellers in the Vineyard area known as “the block”, Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith built an exemplary reputation. They were well-respected for their Christian values and for building a culture of fun and laughter where their children’s friends could find sanctuary, feel welcomed and be at ease. In the church community and in the neighborhood, he was everyone’s “father.”

Pastor and Mother Smith, both accomplished singers and musicians in their own right, passed their love of music on to their children. This passion has now spanned five generations. The gift of music is evident in the church, as the Deliverance Temple music ministry has flourished through the years. Gospel music has afforded them opportunities to travel across the country and abroad; thus, enabling them to share their unique and uplifting messages with many. Pastor Smith has served the community for many years, often assisting those in need, supporting many charities in Kansas City and beyond. With his wife by his side, Pastor Smith remained steadfast and determined in faith and purpose. He never wavered in his love for Christ, family, community, and music. He is a living legend who will go down in history as a comedic genius, singer/musician, faithful servant, dedicated husband, and a loving father & grandfather. He worked tirelessly to be a devout saint and to earn his place in that number, “When the Saints go Marching In”.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted and loving wife, Orpha; 8 sons;  Wilbur Lee Jr.(Sherry), Ernest Lee, Ronald Lee(Teresa), Steve Andrew(Kim), Joel Bernard, Wayne Orlando, Brian Leander(LaTonya), and Lemuel J.(Tisa); 5 daughters; Marilyn Ruth, Willetta Marie, Janet Elizabeth, Miranda Cherelle, Chenise Renea; 27 grandsons; 21 granddaughters; 31 great grandsons; 44 great granddaughters; 2 great-great grandsons; 14 great-great granddaughters; one brother; Norbert Jackson, 2 special nieces of his sister’s descent; Melba Potts, Tommie Milner, and a host of nephews, nieces, adopted sons and daughters in the Gospel and friends.