Ernest E. Smith

Ernest E. "Pete" Smith, 78 , passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at MBMC in Jackson. Visitation will be 5-7pm Thursday, November 27, 2008 at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram. Graveside services will be at 11am Friday, November 28, 2008 at Little Bahala Baptist Church Cemetery in Wesson.\ \ Pete was born on January 28, 1930 in Lincoln County in the community of Little Bahala to Robert Edgar and Bessie Bass Smith. He was the baby of the family having 4 older brothers and 4 older sisters. The family moved to Jackson when he was 3 years old. He attended the Jackson Schools and went to work with the Jackson Fire Department in early 1950's and retired in 1972. After retirement and moving to the Braxton community of Holly Grove he worked for Equipment Inc. and Mid-State Construction before becoming a Simpson County Deputy under Sheriff Lloyd Jones. In 1977 Pete moved back to Jackson after having major surgery to be near family and at the time of his death was living in Terry, MS.\ \ Preceded in death by his parents Robert Edgar and Bessie Neola Bass Smith, daughter, Regina Lee Smith, brothers James H. Smith, Horace Calvin Smith, David Earl Smith, Samuel Edgar Smith and sisters Minnie Catherine Craft, Mary Nell Smith and Bess Purviance.\ \ His daughter Becky S. Barfield (Ray) of Terry, MS survives Mr. Smith. Granddaughters, Scotti B. Douglas (Jack) of Byram, Lisa C. Evers (Brian) of Brandon, and Stacie D. Withers (Lee ) of Byram. Great granddaughters, Jaylea and Olivia Douglas, Brianne and Allyson Evers. Great Grandsons, Drew Evers and Garrett Withers. "Landlady", Companion and former wife Billie Louise Smith along with Step Son James H. "Jimmy" Cowart (Tammy) of Braxton and step grandchildren Wesley Cowart (Misti) and Courtney Cowart of Braxton; and sister Helen Starnes of New Orleans along with numerous nieces and nephews.\ \ \ \