The Rev. Jack Stigler Smith, Jr., 84, of Grenada passed away peacefully Sunday, April 19, 2020 at UMMC-Jackson with family at his side. Rev. Smith was born in Ruleville, MS on June 18, 1935, to Jack Stigler Smith, Sr. and Helen Gorton Smith. At the age of 2, his family moved to Marks, MS. He was a graduate of Marks High School in 1953. During the summer following graduation he worked as a file clerk for the FBI in Washington, D.C. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for four years. Most of this time was spent at Edwards Air Force Base in California where he was a photographer for the Flight Testing Center and a water safety instructor. Additionally, he served as a reserve chaplain for the U. S. Navy. He enrolled in college following his service in the Air Force and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Delta State University. As a member of Marks United Methodist Church, Jack received his call to the ministry. He earned his Master of Divinity degree at Emory University, Candler School of Theology. His first appointment was the Holcomb Charge in Grenada County. His last appointment with the Mississippi United Methodist Conference brought him back full circle to Grenada County to First United Methodist Church of Grenada where he served seven years before retiring in 1999. During forty years of active ministry in the United Methodist Church, he served as pastor in Kingston and Paulding County Charges in Georgia and the following Mississippi Conference appointments: Holcomb Charge, Weir Charge, Flower Ridge Charge (Louisville), Broadacres UMC (Columbus), Aberdeen FUMC/Strong UMC, Greenville FUMC, St. John's UMC (Greenwood), and Grenada FUMC. He served as the District Superintendent of the Greenwood District UMC from 1983-1988. He also served on various United Methodist Conference boards and committees. After retirement from Grenada FUMC, Bro. Jack was a counselor and interim director of Tie Plant School with the Grenada School District. He was enrolled in the Grenada Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds in 2002.

Due to current conditions and CDC recommendations, a private family service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, April 24, 2020 at First United Methodist Church in Grenada with Rev. Daniel Herring officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery near Enid.

The Rev. Smith is survived by his wife of 59 years and 11 months, Sally House Smith, son Rev. Daniel L. Smith and his wife Wendy of Tunica, daughter DeAnn Griffin and her husband Jimbo of Grenada; three grandchildren: Tiffany Smith Moore (Jarrod), Sarah Kate Griffin, and Lindsey Belle Griffin; and a great grandchild: Grace Arrahbelle Moore; one brother: Rev. Gorton Smith and his wife Linda of Las Cruces, NM. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to "The Memorial Fund" at First United Methodist Church - Grenada.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Roberts and staff, the staff of Grenada Living Center, UMMC Home Health Agency, UMMC-Grenada, and UMMC-Jackson for the compassionate care they rendered during his time of illness.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).

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The directors and staff of McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service prioritize the health and well-being of our associates, family and guests.  We understand this is a fluid and serious situation that we are in today and we are monitoring and evaluating developments of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) on a daily basis.

We believe that supporting one another at a time of loss is very important.  At this time, we are asking everyone to respect a limited gathering policy.   This is a guideline of the CDC and the state board of health.

We do ask that those at risk or those not feeling well stay at home, but reach out to the family via our website at www.mckibbenandguinn.com Flowers and expressions of sympathy are still being accepted.

We also ask those who are attending funeral services to follow the CDC recommendations to take the usual steps to help prevent the spread of illness. Social distancing is very important in the control of the spread of this virus.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in this time we are in.  When this crisis is over we will resume our normal procedures and operation.