Sam Smith Jr., 78

Sam Smith Jr., 78, of Theodosia, died peacefully at his home in the Ozarks on July 15, 2021. No services are planned.

He was born July 27, 1942, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the oldest of the three sons of Sam and Dorothy Hebert Smith. He was raised in a suburb of Baton Rouge and graduated from Glen Oaks High School in 1960. 

He and his wife, the former Kathryn “Kathie” McIntyre Smith, the love of his life, lived many happy years together in Baton Rouge, where Mr. Smith worked at the Exxon Mobil refinery, establishing many lifelong friendships with his “brothers” who also worked there. 

The Smiths moved to the Ozarks after his retirement. 

Mr. Smith was passionate about his love for God, working as a lay minister and pastor at many churches during his life. He and his wife spent four years working as missionaries in Russia, and they made many trips back to Russia after his retirement to visit churches they had helped found. He is remembered fondly by many of the members of the church he pastored, Rzhev Christian Center in Rzhev, Russia, and by other pastors with whom he worked as a mentor. He will always be remembered for his calm leadership and quiet wisdom. 

Survivors include Kathie, his devoted wife of 57 years; his children, Melissa Pansano and husband Michael, Clay Smith and wife Pamela, and Priscilla Smith; grandchildren Braedon Smith, Elizabeth Pansano, Lara Kathryn Smith and Bryce Smith; his very close brother, Tommy “Shorty” Smith, who was born on Sam’s first birthday, and his wife Elizabeth. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two children, Mark Thomas Smith and Tracy Ann Smith; and his in-laws, Guyma and William McIntyre. 

Memorial contributions may made to Church Asia, P.O. Box 82080, Baton Rouge, LA 70884 or online at www.churchasia.com/give. Please mention “Sammy Smith” in the memo line. 

Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.