Emmett Arthur Smith Jr.

With a song in his heart and a prayer on his lips, Emmett Arthur Smith, Jr. went to his heavenly reward on Monday, November 9, 2015, at the age of 78. He was the eldest child of Emmett A. Smith, Sr. and Bernadette K. Smith, who predeceased him. He is survived by his loving children Ashley S. Holmes (Jimmy), Allison M. Smith, and Emmett A. Smith III (Natalie), all of whom he adored. “Pop-Pop” will be missed by his seven grandchildren Meghan, Lauren, and Marcelle Holmes; and Bailey, Cameron, Mary Lucy, and Amelia Smith, who were the light of his life.

Emmett is also survived by his four siblings Bonnie S. Talbot (Bob), Gerrie S. Gough, Donald K. Smith (Jeanie), and Richard R. Smith (Linda), and his former wife Mary M. Brothers, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Emmett graduated from Jesuit High School, attended Spring Hill College, and was a graduate of Loyola University of N.O. Emmett enjoyed track and football in high school. In his later years he was an avid tennis player and golfer. He worked for many years as an insurance agent. Emmett was a very active parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Church. Emmett served on the board of The Catholic Foundation. He was past President of Manresa Retreat House and The Serra Club and was a member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He was active in many social organizations, including serving as President of the Bienville Club, and was a member of Metairie Country Club, The Cactus Club, The Iris Club, The School of Design, and several other carnival organizations. Emmett loved playing the banjo with the Last Straws and the New Orleans Banjos. He enjoyed many happy years in his hammock on the pier at the family home on Sandy Hook Drive in Pass Christian, Mississippi.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at 1:00 pm. Visitation will from 11:00 am until service time. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery No. 1.

AMDG

For those so desiring donations may be made to Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 or Manresa Retreat House, 5858 Louisiana Hwy 44, Convent Louisiana, 70723.

To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com .