William Luther "Bill" Smith, 70, of Franklin County, MS, passed on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at his home in Smithdale, MS. Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 2:00 PM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Smithdale, MS. The graveside service will follow in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Franklin County. Bro. Marvin Howard will officiate the services. Franklin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Pallbearers are Gary Wells, Joey Smith, Keith Smith, Ronnie Whittington, Manson Smallwood, Brendan McCaskell, Danny Daniel, Michael Wells and Darrell Smith.

Mr. Smith was born June 7, 1943 in Jefferson County, MS to Fate and Clara Ozell McFarland Smith. He was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He was retired truck driver from Ancoa Trucking of Natchez. He was an avid gardener and loved to share the fruits of his labors with his neighbors. He was a friend to all and was willing to help everyone in need. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a loving brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fate and Clara Ozell McFarland Smith; sister, Louise Smith Wells; and brother, Joe Truly Smith.

Survivors are his daughter, Debbie Smith Smallwood and husband Clay of Meadville, MS; brother, John Ray Smith of Meadville, MS; grandchild, Manson Clay Smallwood and wife Laura of Brookhaven, MS; great grandchild, Mary Parker Smallwood; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.