James Kenneth Smith Sr. "Big Red", 94, died May 10, 2022, at his home in Montevista, MS.
Funeral Services were held 2:00PM Saturday May 14, 2022, at Montevista Baptist Church with burial in the Church Cemetery. Bro. Howard Rodgers and Bro. Marlon Long officiated. The music was provided by Bro. Tim Hudson. Pallbearers were; D. J. and Austin Chandler, Cayden and Jack Howell, Cody Smith, Harrison Hutson, Rick Faulkner, Remington Jones and Avery Becker.
Kenneth was born November 7, 1927, in Montevista MS to John Jeff "Bud" Smith and Vera Chandler Smith. He was the third child in a family of nine children and was the first-born son in the family. He was married to Mildred Doodle Brown Smith for 56 years until her death in 2003. Also preceding him in death was his daughter; Janice Smith, his granddaughter; Renee Avent, his great grandson; Hayden Langford, three sisters and two brothers.
"Big Red" is survived by his current wife of 12 years, Clara Mae Hollenback Smith, two daughters; Glenda (David) Springer, Tupelo, MS, Debbie (Sammy) Wright, Montevista, MS, one son; Ken Smith, Montevista, MS, three sisters; Betty Jean Ingram, Eupora, MS, Rachel Lott, Holcomb, MS and Mary Williamson, Memphis, TN, 10 grandchildren; Reid (Scott) Hutson, Megan (Mitch) Howell, Casee (Taylor) Goodman, Eric Smith, Kasey Smith, Steven (Brandi) Smith, Jeanette (Marlon) Long, Bubba Wright, Shelda (Jesse) Jones, and Cody (Haley) Smith, 21 great grandchildren; Harrison and Maddie Hutson, Cayden and Jack Howell, Chloee and Avery Becker, Lila and Cece Goodman, Dominique, Deven, Kahlan, Thomas, and Sakari Smith, Hannah (Easton) Doles, Laura Beth Long, Maci Wright, Savannah Gore, Destiny Avent, Remington Jones, Gage Hubbard and Greer Smith, and 2 great great grandchildren; Harper Gore and Ravyn Smith.
Kenneth believed in God, family and working hard. He was a simple man who always worked hard to support his family. He retired from Babcock and Wilcox after working there for 30 years. He also farmed, raised cattle and was a member of the Montevista Baptist Church and the Webster County Cattlemen's Association. His prized possessions in his later years were his cows and his tractor. One of the highlights of his life was flying over the southeastern states in a single engine plane with his lifelong friend, James Wade.
The family requests any memorials be made to the Montevista Cemetery Fund, C/O Sammy Wright, 1560 Sutton Road, Eupora, MS. 39744. Oliver Funeral Home of Eupora was in charge of all arrangements. You may go online and sign our guest register or leave a message of condolence for the family at www.ofheupora.com
Paid Obituary.
