Alfred J. Smith

Published 12:05 am Monday, December 21, 2015

FERRIDAY — Services for Alfred J. Smith, 72, of Ferriday, who died Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, at his home will be 1 p.m. Monday at Laird Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Spencer officiating.

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

Visitation will be from noon until service time Monday at the funeral home.

Al was born on Oct. 21, 1943, the son of Alfred L. Smith and Helen Smith.

He lived in the Natchez/Ferriday area his entire life.

He graduated from Natchez High School in 1962 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately following graduation.

He toured the Mediterranean Sea serving as 2nd class Petty Officer on the USS Aucilla as a radioman. After leaving the Navy, he returned to Natchez and began working with International Paper, then Diamond National and BASSTECH from which he retired.

He was most noted for the 1969 Judge that became his trademark and pastime. Al was an avid animal advocate and nature lover and lived surrounded by the Mississippi River. Never a stray animal was turned away or remained unfed or uncared for.

Al was preceded in death by his parents and two infant brothers.

Survivors include two brothers, James O. Smith and wife, Cynthia, and Ronnie Smith, all of Natchez; one sister, Donna M. DeWitt, of Natchez; nieces, Kristi Williams of Jackson, Kim Wyatt of Dallas, Amy Quinn of Jackson, Brandi Perry of Houston, Jessica Thompson of Cave Springs, Ark., Shannon Doughty of Gulfport and Ali Smith of Natchez; and one nephew, Jeff Barlow of Hampton, Ky.

Pallbearers will be Keister Dillinger, Joey Hutchins, Fred Taylor, Eddie Roberts, Robby Roberts, Lucky Morales and Gene Ham.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the humane society or other charity of their choice.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.