Albert Theodore Smith

Albert Theodore Smith III, affectionately known as Al or Albie passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in Visalia, California. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Al was the son of Albert T. Smith II and Ann Marie Hanson. He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Jerome Albert Smith and his younger sister Sheila Ann Smith. Al attended St. John Vianney Grammar School in San Jose, Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose for three years and Judson High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he served as senior class vice president and was a proud member of the rodeo team. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business. One of Al's lifelong passions was food. He served as Assistant Food Service Director at Cal Poly for several years before beginning a long and rewarding career in agriculture sales. After working in various agricultural roles, Al settled in Visalia where he made his home for more than twenty years. Retiring at 80 years old, he cherished his work and the relationships he built with the ranchers and farmers across the valley. A man of deep faith and a devout Catholic, Al was an active member of St.Mary's Catholic Church, where he participated in parish ministry. One of the most meaningful years of his life was spent at Mission San Luis Del Rey in Oceanside, California where he lived among the Franciscan Friars and managed dining services. In his earlier years, Al loved swimming with his family at Avila beach and the Elks Club. He also delighted in preparing family meals, sharing his love of food and hospitality with his children. Al is survived by his children Ben Smith, Danielle Kistler, Maggie Smith-Griggs, and Wendy Smith, his seven grandchildren- Henry Smith, Max Kistler, Otto Kistler, Grayce Griggs, Griffin Griggs, Jack Brown, and Luke Brown. He will also be remembered with love by his loyal friends who embraced him with affection throughout his life. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday January 7, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Mary's Church, 506 N. Garden St. Visalia. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Al by sharing memories at the reception immediately following the service. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Albert Theodore Smith

August 17, 1944 - November 3, 2025