Mr. Guerrant Smathers

Mr. Guerrant Smathers of Raymond passed away peacefully at his home on July 2, 2016 in the same bedroom he was born in 94 years prior on March 2, 1922. He grew up working on the family farm raising crops and cattle, which he continued to do into his 90’s. After graduating from Raymond Consolidated School, he enlisted in the Air Force during World War II. He was assigned to the 62nd airborne squadron that would provide transport aboard a Douglas C47 to the continents of Europe, South America, Africa and numerous islands. When the war ended he returned to graduate from Mississippi State University and began teaching in Benton, MS. The next 31 years he spent as an engineer for WLBT TV in Jackson. Guerrant married Betty Jo Smith (his wife of 63 years) from Greeneville, TN on November 9, 1952. He faithfully attended Wynndale Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, Sunday School Superintendant and member of the choir. When asked by his grandchild, Deborah, in his final days what advice he had for her generation, he replied, “Pray without ceasing, live a life of meekness and you will overcome your weakness, grow in the the fruit of the Spirit.” His favorite verse was “Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” He is preceded in death by son, William Edward (Donna), parents Robert Raymond and Lillie, siblings, Robert, Roy, Stanley, Mary Sullivan and Dorothy Hand. He leaves behind a large and loving family who will miss him dearly, his wife, Betty Jo, children Guerrant (Sharon) Smathers and Albert (Jeanie) Smathers, Martha (Ben) Johnson and Lorena (Gary) Adams; his sister, Lucy Olson; 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and other cherished extended family members. Visitation will be 6-8pm on Sunday July 3, 2016 from 3-4pm Tuesday, July 5, 2016 with funeral services at 4pm all at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram. Interment will be at the Cedarcrest Family Cemetery in Raymond. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials be given to Wynndale Presbyterian Church, French Camp Academy or Gideon’s International.