Albert ‘Smoky’ Espinosa, Sr., 87, died Monday, April 11 at his Oakdale home.

He was born in Oakdale to parents Marcos and Isabelle Espinosa.

Mr. Espinosa served his country in the Army in the European Theatre of Operations from 1943 through 1946 obtaining the rank of sergeant.

He retired from the trucking industry in 2007 after 62 years.

He is survived by his children, Sharon Puryear, Mark Espinosa, both of Denair, Albert Steven Espinosa of Mission Viejo, Cynthia Gonzales of Victorville, April Lester, Tina Hinton, Anthony Espinosa, Vicky Potthoff, all of Oakdale, Albert Espinosa, Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, Patricia Chapman, Quincy Mora, both of Modesto; siblings, Peter Espinosa of Modesto, Isabelle Woods, Augustine Gudino, both of Fresno, Carmen Olivas, Donna Gutierez, both of Sacramento; 21 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; Grace; sons, Joaquin Espinosa, Johnny Espinosa; daughter, Suzi Hamilton; brothers, Marion Espinosa, Francisco Gudino; sisters, Angie Gabaldon, and Teresa Avila.

A funeral service was held at Lakewood Funeral Home, Hughson.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his memory to Hospice of Emanuel, 1850 Colorado Ave., Turlock 95382; or to ALS Neuromusculary Research, 2324 Sacramento Street, San Francisco 94115-2383.