Robert Smith Jr. (12-5-22) service 12-8-22

Robert E. Smith Jr., 76, of Jackson, Tennessee, walked “through the valley of the shadow of death, fearing no evil, for thou art with me,” on Monday, Dec. 5. He was born on Dec. 26, 1945, the son of Robert and Mae Cunningham Smith.

Mr. Smith lived in Michie, the majority of his years. Early in 2019, he moved to Jackson, Tennessee to be near his daughter and her family. While in Jackson he attended the Woodland Baptist Church. Prior to their move, he led singing for 40 years at numerous area congregations, including Michie First Baptist Church, Center Hill Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church and Pyburn Union Church.

In June of 1980, he married his beloved Wanda Russell from Olive Branch, Mississippi. Forty-two years on life’s road together were highlighted by the birth of two daughters, Amanda and Monica. To his great delight, he was able to become a member of the Corinth, Mississippi, Camp of Gideons. He faithfully served there with his brethren until his departure to Jackson, Tennessee.

Mr. Smith earned an Associate Degree from Clark Memorial Junior College in Newton, Mississippi, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Bethel College in McKenzie. He spent 30 years working for the McNairy County Board of Education as a special education teacher at Michie Elementary School, a business and English teacher at McNairy Central High School, and ultimately served as a truant officer for the school system during the last 25 years of his career.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda; daughter Amanda (Ross) Kyzar of Jackson, Tennessee; three wonderful grandchildren: Evan, Charlie and Natalie, and his daughter Monica Smith of Crossville, Tennessee.

Services were held on Thursday, Dec. 8, at Michie First Baptist Church in Michie, with Harry Nolen and Stacey McCollum officiating. Burial followed at Michie Cemetery in Michie.

Memorials may be made to the Corinth, Mississippi, Camp of Gideons or Gideons International.