June 7, 1943 — May 17, 2014

SMITHDALE — Services for William Luther “Bill” Smith, 70, of Smithdale, who died Saturday, May 17, 2014, at his residence, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Marvin Howard officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Franklin Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the church.

Mr. Smith was born June 17, 1943, in Jefferson County, the son of Fate and Clara Ozell McFarland Smith.

He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He was a retired truck driver from Ancoa Trucking in Natchez. He was an avid gardener and loved to share the fruits of his labor with his neighbors.

He was a friend to all and was willing to help everyone in need. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a loving brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Joe Truly Smith; and one sister, Louise Smith Wells.

Survivors include daughter, Debbie Smith Smallwood and husband, Clay, of Meadville; one brother, John Ray Smith of Meadville; one grandson, Manson Clay Smallwood and wife, Laura, of Brookhaven; one great-granddaughter, Mary Parker Smallwood; and a number of nephews, nieces and friends.

Online condolences may be made to franklinfh.com.