Mr. Donald Louis Smith, age 71, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS, as a result of the Covid virus. Graveside services and interment will be at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, August 7th, at Evergreen Cemetery, with Rev. Dennis Smith officiating. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Donald was born April 9, 1949, in Jackson, MS, the son of L. H. and Bessie Smith. Graduating from Wingfield High School in Jackson, MS, and the University of Mississippi in 1973, Donald worked for the State of Mississippi Tax Commission, ABC Division for 36 years. Following retirement, he enjoyed working for Dixie Wholesale Waterworks. An avid Ole Miss Rebel, he loved cheering on the football and baseball teams and being in the Grove. Donald also loved Winston Academy and served on the board of the Winston Educational Foundation. It was his joy to coach Pee Wee football, co-coach the girls softball team, including a state championship win in 2003, serving as president of the WA Patriot Booster Club, and being the voice of the Patriots football team home games for many years.
Survivors are his wife, Gail Smith; a son, Casey Louis Smith, and his wife Kellie; a daughter, Amanda Gail Blissard, and her husband Clint; and a brother, Rev. Dennis Hughes Smith. He also leaves four grandchildren, Anna Claire Plunk, Darby Jolie Smith, McKinley Grace Smith, and Mary Virginia Blissard, who will miss the ice cream and candy bars their Papa would sneak them.
Pallbearers will be Mike Ard, Michael Cournoyer, Johnny Johnson, Jeff McMinn, Roger Mason, and Dennis Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Clark, Bob Combs, Rusty Hannah, Niles McNeel, Farrell Rigby, Keith Roberts, Jamie McMillin, and Steve White.
Memorials may be made to Winston Academy, P. O. Box 545, Louisville, MS, 39339.
