Jimmie Lee Smith

Jimmie Lee Smith, affectionately known as “Duck” or “Smity,” was born on September 16, 1954, in Leland, Mississippi, to Azerline Smith and Jimmie Lee Wells., Jimmie was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Edna and Henry Smith. Their love, guidance, and influence helped shape the man he would become.

Jimmie grew up in Leland, Mississippi, where he attended Leland High School. During his school years, he played football and ran track. Jimmie understood early in life that success required hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. He continued his education and earned his degree in Automotive Technology, specializing in diagnostics. He took great pride in his work and was especially proud of maintaining his ASE certification for 30 years.

Jimmie’s love for the automotive industry grew throughout his life. He began his career at Golden Rod and later dedicated 30 years to the Department of Transportation, where he worked as a mechanic. He eventually retired, but retirement did not keep Jimmie from staying busy. He later returned to work at VAT as a bus driver.

Jimmie was a hard-working and dedicated man. If you knew him, you knew that when he gave you his word, you could count on him. He believed strongly in working hard, doing your best, and taking care of your family. He would often say: “I don’t care what you do, as long as you work, try your best in whatever you do, and provide for your family, then you alright with me.”

Beyond his work, Jimmie loved working on cars, fishing with his wife, his brother-in-law Clarence, his children, and his friends. He also had a passion for gardening. Every season, as soon as the weather began to break, Jimmie was ready to get outside and get his garden going. Gardening was something he especially enjoyed sharing with his wife.

Jimmie was a structured and complex man to some. He spoke his mind, stood firmly in his truth, and carried a stern presence that could sometimes make him seem tough. But those who truly knew Jimmie knew the heart behind that sternness. He was kind, caring, loving, dependable, and generous.

Jimmie was the person you could call when you needed a helping hand. Whether it was family, a friend, or a neighbor, Jimmie was often the go-to person. If you needed someone to talk to, Jimmie was your person. And if you told him something in confidence, you could rest assured that your secret was safe with him.

He loved football, and it did not matter which teams were playing if the game was on, Jimmie was going to watch it. He enjoyed watching sci-fi with his children and grandchildren, creating memories that they will carry with them forever. And then there were his true-crime shows, which he watched loudly on the tv.

Jimmie’s presence could fill a room, and his absence will leave a space that cannot be replaced. He leaves behind not only memories, but lessons about hard work, perseverance, family, loyalty, and being there for the people you love.

Jimmie was preceded in death by his son, Antwain Smith; his mother, Azerline Mayers; his father, Jimmie Lee Wells; ; his beloved grandparents, Edna and Henry Smith; and his favorite cousin, Cornelius.

Jimmie leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife of 46 years and best friend of 50 years, LaRita Smith. He also leaves three daughters, Lashunda, Kisha, and Jimia; three sons, Demetrius, Jimmie Jr., and Josias; and his brothers, and Benjamin. his sisters, Katie Mayers, Mary, Susie, Deborah, Dewonderous, Kat’tie, Cynthia, and Tequila; his brothers-in-law, John and Clarence Byrd, who were much more like sons to him; his best friends, Willie Brooks, William Fowlers, and Troy Banks; 34 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly and will miss him deeply.

Though Jimmie is no longer with us physically, the love he gave, the wisdom he shared, the lives he touched, and the memories he created will live on through his family and everyone blessed to have known him.

Rest well, Duck. Your work here is done. Your family will carry your love, your lessons, and your memory with them always.