Melvin Edward "Smitty" Smith

Melvin Edward "Smitty" Smith was born on January 20, 1935, in Frankfurt, Indiana, passing away April 7, 2026. As the fifth youngest of six children, Smitty's family lived in Ohio and then in New Jersey, before settling in Meridian, Mississippi when Smitty was 12 years old. This move marked the beginning of his life in the South, ultimately to the Jackson, Mississippi area, which would become his lifelong home.

Smitty learned the value of community through enlistment and service in the Mississippi Air National Guard, then four years in the United States Navy. This instilled in him a sense of discipline and pride in serving his country, qualities that would carry him through his future endeavors.

On May 5,1957, Smitty married the love of his life, Mary Marlene Mitcham. The two shared a loving partnership for over five decades, raising two children together: Ginger, who married Randy, and Kevin, who married Diane. Smitty has four grandchildren: DeAnne (Patrick), Andrea (Greg), Jack (Rhianwedd) and Jordan (Graham), and has eight great grandchildren: Jackson, Sadie, Trainor, Vivian, Arianwen, Charlie, Iwan and Valerie. Smitty was preceded in death by his father Richard Carl Smith, his mother Mary Guntle Smith, sisters Alberta Smith, Phyllis Goelz, brothers Eugene and Charles Smith. He is survived by his sister Alice Stapler.

With the help of his business-savvy wife Marlene, Smitty turned his entrepreneurial vision into reality by founding Smitty’s Spuds in 1960, a fresh processed produce supply business in Jackson. Building the business from the ground up, Smitty started by cutting potatoes (“Spuds”) into French fries, Smitty’s Spuds quickly became known for its fresh, “never frozen”, locally produced products, earning the respect of employees and customers alike. In this business, Smitty not only provided healthy food for the market, but also used the business to provide his children with valuable work experience. Ginger worked in the business for 14 years, while Kevin worked and managed it for over 30 years, each contributing to the growth of the business. His beloved wife Marlene battled dementia for many years before passing away in July of 2013. He remained committed to her as her primary caregiver in her last years.

Smitty was a 35-year member of the Oak Forest Exchange Club, was awarded the state-wide “Mr. Exchange Club” in 1970, and served as the Club President for three terms.

Smitty used his artistic talent to paint landscapes, floral pictures and historic buildings. One of his paintings of the Mississippi Governor’s mansion is now on display at the mansion.

Smitty's legacy is one of service, kindness, and commitment to his community. He was very gregarious and everyone who interacted with Smitty always came away with a positive and uplifting experience.

The family expresses special thank you’s to Peach Tree Village and St. Joseph Hospice for their wonderful care for our beloved “Smitty”/”Daddy”/”Papaw” in recent years.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood North Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, MS 39209, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with Pavilion service following at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Smitty’s family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA): www.alzfdn.org/donate