Flennard DeAnthony Smith

The life of Mr. Flennard De'Anthony Smith, affectionately known as Red, began on October 12, 1941, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Edgar Smith and Glenda Belle Smith. Mr. Smith's educational journey took place in the Kansas City, Missouri School District, where he graduated from Lincoln High School. He embarked on various professional endeavors, including a stint at St. Luke's Hospital. Mr. Smith met Barbara J. Whitley; never married, but was blessed with five children. Red's creative spirit shone through his passion for painting, transforming wallet-sized pictures into 12x16 masterpieces. He also delighted in playing cards and dominoes.

Red was preceded in death by his father, Edgar Smith; his mother, Glendine Belle Smith; two brothers, Theopolis Eugene Smith and Ellsworth Smith; one sister, Genola Smith; daughter, Deborah A. Whitley; daughter-in-law, Sharon Hill-Whitley; grandsons, Derrick R. Whitley "Mikey Doo" and Chris Patrick; granddaughter, My'isha Whitley; and great-grandson, Jeffrey Perry.

His legacy lives on through three sons: Flennord D. Whitley, Parrish Smith, and Pastor Bruce S. Whitley Sr. (Bobbie); one daughter, Glenda F. Whitley; 23 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebratory memorial service will be held at Christ Tabernacle Church, 4122 Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64130, on May 17, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Bruce S. Whitley Sr. and hosted by Pastor T. Pinkins.