NATCHEZ — Billy “Porky” Smith, who was part of the Natchez Dixie Youth Baseball League for 43 years as a coach or a commissioner, died on Wednesday at 69 years of age.

Garnell Webb said Smith was his best friend, ever since they started the Natchez Dixie Youth All Stars for 8-9 year olds. Both Webb and Smith were involved with Dixie Youth Baseball for at least 43 years, from coaching to managing.

“Porky loved the kids,” Webb said. “He not only loved the kids in Natchez but the surrounding areas as well.”

When Smith was the coach for the 9-10 year olds, Webb said they played at the Ballew-Bowlin Field. Smith would later have a sign put on the centerfield fence of Ballew-Bowlin Field and called it the Pig Pen, Webb said.

Smith was an avid Ole Miss, Atlanta Braves and New Orleans Saints fan. He won both the National Football Foundation award and the Unsung Hero Award. Smith’s life revolved around his family, children and sports. He could talk sports with anyone, from the youngest to the oldest, Webb said.

Webb said he would remember Smith being a game caller at all three youth baseball fields whenever games were in Natchez. The baseball fields are Sprague-Gousett, Carroll-Jones and Ballew-Bowlin.

“You could hear him all the way on Auburn Avenue,” Webb said. “Porky was a good announcer and he insisted that every kid’s name was called over the PA.”

Whenever any player would hit a homerun, show good sportsmanship, or make a great catch in one of the games, Webb said Smith would stamp a Pig onto a baseball and would give it to the player.

“He was my kind of person. I tried to be his friend as much as I can,” Webb said. “I appreciated everything he did for all of the kids in Natchez.”

Clarence Bowlin, who was the National Director for Dixie Youth, said he would remember Smith’s general attitude and his desire to help people.

“In my opinion, the city of Natchez lost a great person in Porky Smith,” Bowlin said. “He was a great asset and (was) always here. He was always ready to help people and I think he did a great job here in Natchez.”

Services for Smith are 2 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tim Vanier officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.