NATCHEZ — Services for Julius Thurman “J.T.” Smith, 94, of Natchez, who died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be at 2 p.m. today at Parkway Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeff Brewer officiating.

Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time today at the church.

Mr. Smith was born Dec. 8, 1919, in Winn Parish, the son of James Thomas and Lucy Smith.

He spent his childhood in the piney woods of Winn Parish, graduating from Oak Grove High School in 1940.

He attended Louisiana Tech before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945.

Mr. Smith was part of the “ Greatest Generation” and bravely fought with the First Marine Division in the Battle of Peleliu in the south Pacific during World War II.

He became an expert sharpshooter and was chosen to attend the first sniper school of the U.S. Marine Corps. Because of his expertise and near-perfect score, J.T. became an instructor at the school.

After World War II, he met his wife of 65 years, Lois Nelle Smith. Married in 1947, after two years of marriage, the two International Paper employees moved from Bastrop to Natchez to continue their careers and start their family.

He was a special man who never ceased to amaze family and friends with his desire to learn and become an expert at whatever business venture or hobby he pursued.

After working long days at IP, he spent 15 years farming and raising cattle after hours, always working hard to provide for his family. He often brought his daughter, Peggy, to the farm where he lovingly taught her to ride her pony. Later, he could often be found watching his son, Jim, practice, football, basketball or play baseball.

Even with two jobs, he never missed a sporting event. His wife and two children, and later his grandchildren and great-grandchild, were the light of his life. He was always talking to them, telling a funny story or teaching them to drive, shoot a rifle or grow a rose.

After retiring from 40 years at International Paper, he became a skilled photographer and film developer. His photography hobby often included lovingly taking a photo of one of his grandchildren or great-grandchild.

His other hobby, growing roses, became yet another way to learn a skill and spend time with his wife, Nelle. He developed an excellent reputation as a talented rosarian, growing award-winning roses and sharing his expertise with friends and family all over this part of the country.

He loved sharing his beautiful roses with friends at the bank, hospital or wherever he felt like visiting on any given day.

He was a respected member of CenLa Rose Society and lifetime member of the American Rose Society. Many folks have called on him over the years to provide roses for the special events in their lives. However, there was one time when he called on all his rose friends to provide more than 60 dozen roses for the wedding of his son and daughter-in-law.

Mr. Smith and his wife were long-time members of Parkway Baptist Church from its beginning. He enjoyed his years singing in the choir, developing lifelong friends who filled a special place in his heart.

He served as deacon and on numerous other committees over his years at Parkway. He loved his church and his Lord and was always a Christian example to all.

His grandchildren and great-grandchild have been reminded that he set the bar high for the kind of man the girls marry and the man his grandson becomes. His children learned from the beautiful example set by them how to have a loving and successful marriage.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Nelle; his parents; one infant daughter, Sally Ann; five brothers, Halbert, Howard, Dentis, Denton and Shelby; and one sister, Audie.

Survivors include one son, Jim Smith and wife, Sarah, of Natchez; one daughter, Peggy Francis and husband, Harold, of Napa, Calif.; four grandchildren, Emory, Carter and McKenzie, all of Natchez, and Amber Francis of Napa; and one great-granddaughter, Izzy Francis of Napa.

The family would like to sincerely thank his caregivers, Edna, Ollie, and Bobbie, for their dedication, love, and tender care. They meant so much to him. We are also thankful for the loving care provided by Dr. Lee England, his nurse Angela, and office staff, Cathy and Elena. They always went above and beyond, treating them like family. The family would like to thank Natchez Regional ICU staff for their loving care this last week.

Pallbearers will be Carter Smith, Sam Gwin, Steve Buckley, Bill Salters, Kenny Smith, Hershall Horton, Kenny Naff, Walter Smith and Kenny Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trinity Episcopal Day School or Parkway Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made to lairdfh.com.