S.L. "Smokey" Housden, 87, of Stanley, VA, died peacefully at his home on Monday, September 18, 2023, surrounded by
his loved ones.
Smokey was born on September 2, 1936, in Stanley. He was the son of Clarence S. Housden and Elton V. Housden.
He graduated from Stanley High School in 1955 and went on to serve his country with pride for 36 years through the
United StatesArmy and Army Reserves, retiring with rank of Sergeant Major. He also simultaneously served for more
than 25 years in a civil service capacity at the The Pfc. Raymond Flair Memorial U.S.Army Reserve Center, Frederick,
MD. He was extemely proud of his time with the 558th color guard, and also training several local marching groups the
proper color guard protocols and procedures.
After his military career, he went home to Stanley where he continued to enjoy a number of positions for several years. He
was a member of the Leake's Chapel Church of the Brethren in Stanley.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy L. Housden; his daughter, Yvette M. Florian and husband Keith; and a grandaughter,
Jessica D. Shelton. He is also survived by three sisters, Martha Graves and Carolyn Dovel of Stanley, and Bonnie Dovel
of Shenandoah; and several very special nieces and nephews.
Smokey was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Betty Painter, Emma West and Nancy Campbell; and two
brothers, William C. Housden and Robert "Buddy" Housden.
There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Leake's Chapel Church of the
Brethren, conducted by Tracy Shifflett. The family will receive friends from from 1-2 p.m. which will be followed by the
memorial service at 2 p.m. and the burial immediately afterwards in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Smokey requested donations be made to the Leake's Chapel Church of the Brethren Men's Fellowship.