Cecil Gill Smith Jr.

Published 12:00 am Saturday, May 26, 2012

Nov. 22, 1928 – May 23, 2012

NATCHEZ — Services for Cecil Gill Smith Jr., 83, of Natchez, who died Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at his residence after a lengthy illness, will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Richard Wood officiating.

Burial will follow at the Fayette City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at his home, 1100 Main St., in Natchez.

Mr. Smith was born Nov. 22, 1928, in Fayette, the son of Cecil Gill Smith Sr. and Marjorie Truly Smith. He was a graduate of Fayette High School and afterwards attended Davidson College. He completed his degree at the University of Mississippi.

Mr. Smith volunteered to go to Korea where he earned a Bronze Star. When he returned home, he completed Tulane University with a juris doctorate in law. Mr. Smith practiced law in this area for more than 45 years. On June 10, 1961, Cecil Gill Smith Jr. married Sarah Thompson.

Survivors include his wife of more than 50 years, Sarah Thompson Smith; one son, Whitney Thompson Smith and wife, Brandye Payne Smith; one daughter, Sarah Dunbar Amoss and husband, John, and three grandchildren, Ben Smith, James Amoss and Jeff Amoss.

Pallbearers will be Lawrence Gooden, John Amoss, Dennis Short, Peter Burns, David Hall, Paul Lemke, Stratton Bull, Jim Blough, Jackie Owens, Jimmy Thomas, Luckie Groover and Johnnie Watts.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.