Michael L. Smith

MICHAEL L. SMITH Tupelo - Michael Lee Smith, 68, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2016, at Sanctuary Hospice House after an extended illness. He was born March 2, 1948, to Norvell Aubrey and Irene Bouchillon Smith. Michael served in several Baptist churches in Southern Mississippi as a music director for 50 years. He was currently employed at Central Baptist Church in Brandon, Miss. He was involved in the E. J. Daniels Association as the music director and soloist. Michael found his greatest joy in receiving compliments, not on his voice, but on people hearing God speak through his ministry of music. He has always loved music and taking care of animals. Michael had a kind smile, sweet spirit and never met a stranger. Services will be 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 2016, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Tyrome Wells and Rev. Tim Brown officiating. Burial will be in Priceville Cemetery. Survivors include children, Jason Smith (Kimberly) of Sebring, Florida and Brad Smith (Rachel) of Los Angeles, California; grandchildren, Mackenzie and Connor Smith; mother, Irene B. Smith of Tupelo; the mother of his children, Peggy Williams of Star; special friends, Mark Wright and Jeanette Fulton and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, C. H. and Minnie Smith and Frank and Loraine Bouchillon. Pallbearers will be John Simmons, Walter Scott, Lerland Kindt, Tommy Nichols, George Francis and Jordan Westmoreland. Visitation will be 1 until 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 2016, at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo. Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803, or a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .