William Dorsett Smith was born on November 11, 1927 in Richton, MS. His family moved to Poplarville from Vicksburg in 1936. He graduated from Poplarville High School in 1944 and then attended PRJC where he was the ROTC Cadet Battalion Commander. In October 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Upon being discharged in 1947, he then entered “Ole Miss” and graduated in 1950 with a B.A degree and a commission as a 2nd Lt. He went on to serve an additional 21 years including multiple tours in Korea and Germany. He retired in 1971 as a Lt. Colonel.
During his enlistment, he also received a Master Degree in Education, and spent 4 years as Asst. Professor of Military Services at Eastern Kentucky University. This led him upon retirement spending 13 years in the Poplarville School District, as teacher and principal, until his retirement in 1989.
He was a faithful member serving many years as an elder at Ruth Memorial Presbyterian Church in Poplarville, MS. He was a member of the Retired Officers Association, Disabled Veterans, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Richard and Annie Marie Dorsett Smith; a son, Michael Steven Smith; a brother, David R. Smith; and a sister, Marie Smith Watson.
He is survived by his wife, Johanna Melitta Smith; son, William R. “Billy” Smith and wife Annette of Poplarville, MS; daughter, Barbara Stewart and husband Richard of Redlands, CA; grandchildren, Ethan Smith (Camille) of Pass Christian, MS; Nikki Smith Breland (Ben) of Poplarville, MS; Jeremy Stewart and Inge Stewart of Redlands, CA. Great-grandchildren: Barrett Smith, Jett and Marley Smith, and Cameron Breland; Gabriel and Danica Stewart. He is also survived by a brother, George N. “Bo” Smith (Virginia) of Monroe, LA., and several wonderful nieces and nephews.
Grandpa is loved and will be missed by many family members and friends.
Services will be private, at the convenience of the family.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.11.3