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, wil be at 2 p.m. today at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Richard Wood officiating.

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

Visitation was from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 2012, at Mr. Smith’s home at 1100 Main St.

Mr. Smith was born Nov. 22, 1928, in Fayette, the son of Cecil Gill Smith Jr. and Marjorie Truly Smith.

Mr. Smith graduated from Fayette High School. After high school, he went to Davidson College and 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, Mr. Smith completed his Juris Doctorate in law at Tulane University. Mr. Smith practiced law in this area for more than 45 years. On June, 10, 1961, Mr. Smith married Sarah Thompson Smith.

Survivors include his wife of more than 50 years, Sarah; one son, Whitney Thompson Smith and wife, Brandye Payne Smith; one daughter, Sarah Dunbar Amoss and husband, John Amoss; 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 Grover and Johnnie Watts.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Hospice Compassus and special nurse, Ann Cobb, and her assistants.

Memorials may be made to the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, Trinity Episcopal Day School or the George W. Armstrong Library.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.