1922
2013
Preston Smith, age 90, a resident of the Steep Hollow community, Poplarville, MS, passed away on January 22, 2013. Preston was born on November 20, 1922. He was preceeded in death by: his parents, Williams S. ("Doc") and Osula Dedeaux Smith; sisters, Sylvania (Carl) Lawrence, Cleatus Varnado, Ora Smith Coyce (Levert) Ladner and brothers, Richard (Thelma), Rosco (Bill), Esco (Myrtis), Jackson (Ivy), Biser (Wilma), Bernell (Lois), Horace (Margaret) and Delous.
Survivors include: sister-in-law Nelda, wife of Delous; Step children, Tommy McGee, Lisa (Mark), Gregory, Tracy (Lisa) Hodges and Ladeen (Harrison) Hutchens.
Preston served in the US Army during WWII and was honorably discharged on November 21, 1946. He then began his college education under the GI Bill. He started his teaching career in 1951 and for 28 years taught at Fernwood Jr High. After retiring he returned to his home in Steep Hollow and eventually met the love of his life Marie Saucier-they enjoyed a beautiful life together. Marie passed away on December 2, 2012. Preston was a member of the Steep Hollow Masonic Lodge #639. He was a Master Mason for over 60 years. He served as Deacon and was a lifelong member of Steep Hollow Baptist Church. Preston is survived by many nieces and nephews who visited and helped care for him in his final days. The family is especially grateful to Nancy and Howard Ladner who gave of themselves through many years of dedicated love and care to their Uncle Preston. The many friends he had were always ready to help in time of need. The family of Preston would like to give thanks to Canon Hospice for helping them through a trying time and showing such tender and loving care to our Uncle Preston.
Arrangements will be at the Steep Hollow Baptist Church on Highway 53. Visitation is Friday, January 25, 2013 at 10 am and funeral services at 11:30 am, followed by burial in the Smith Cemetery on Barth Road. Following the services at graveside, a luncheon will be held at the church with friends and relatives.
Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sunherald/obituary.aspx?n=preston-smith&pid=162600650#storylink=cpy
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6 Entries
January 24, 2013
Paul & Diane Hariel
Paul & I send our prayers and condolences to the family.
January 24, 2013
Mr. Preston was truly a fine Christian man. We thought so much of him.
Mitchell and Walterine Maddox
January 24, 2013
Rick Smitherman
Coach Smith was my homeroom and history teacher in the 7th grade at Fernwood. He was a great teacher and even greater person and I always enjoyed talking with him during my three years there, especially after I had played in a basketball game the night before. His advice and suggestions were always right on the money. I have thought about him often over the years.
January 24, 2013
Dreighton "DH" Rosier
Bill, you said it all. I add that Coach Smith was the gentlest, most gentlemanly coach and teacher.
January 24, 2013
Robin Perez
Uncle Preston you will be deeply missed by all of your many nieces and nephews - we all love you. I know that all of your brothers and sisters were waiting for you with open arms to greet you up in heaven.
January 24, 2013
Loved coach Smith. He was my teacher,basketball and baseball coach at Fernwood in the mid 50's. Bill Sanford, Woodstock Ga.
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