Sunday, February 2, 2014

Casey Marion Smith, Sr.

Casey Marion Smith, Sr., 83, was born in Moorhead, Mississippi on April 4, 1929, and went to his heavenly home on March 4, 2013. He was the beloved husband of Joan (McIntire) Smith, whom he married in 1948.

Affectionately known as Marion, Dad, Poppa, Pop and Uncle Son, he was a benevolent husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He was known for his passion for Jesus Christ, faithfulness to his church, love for his family, zest for life and generosity toward his fellow man. He will long be remembered down-home spun humor, quick wit, and story-telling. He loved to collect antiques (said “he was one too” in later years) and enjoyed displaying his collection in “Poppas Country Museum.”

Marion moved to Choctaw County in 1942. He graduated from Ackerman High School in 1948 as the first student body president and was president of his senior class. He was a proud member of the 1947 Championship Football Team while playing the first game on the new Dale Davidson Football Field. Marion served two terms as Town Alderman and worked as Public Works Superintendent, Fire Chief, Deputy Marshall for eleven years and remained one of Ackerman and Choctaw County’s most avid ambassadors. Marion organized and directed the first Fire Department in Ackerman. He was founder and president emeritus of the annual Ackerman School Reunion.

Marion then established himself as an aspiring entrepreneur, having co-founded and managed several successful state-wide water works supply businesses. He was a member of the Ackerman Masonic Lodge #119 and the Gideon’s International. He retired in 1985 and his love for woodworking prompted him to establish his own business called “Poppas Country.” Poppa was a skilled master craftsman whose handiwork adorns many area households.  

Funeral services for Mr. Smith will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Ackerman, MS. Burial will follow in the Enon Cemetery.  Rev. Jerry Lawson will officiate the service. Visitation was held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman.

Marion was preceded in death by his parents Casey Tripplett and Grace (Fondren); and his sister, Doris Withers.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan (McIntire) Smith o Ackerman, one son, Casey M. “Buddy” Smith, Jr. and his wife, Carol, of Tupelo, MS; one brother, Kenneth Smith and his wife, Bess, of Flowood, MS; grandchildren Casey Smith III and his wife, Mandy, and Stacey Fowler and her husband, Chip; grandchildren Casey Joe Fowler, Weston Fowler, Addie Grace Smith, and Lexie Rose Smith.

Memorials can be made to Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church PO Box 294 Ackerman, MS 39735 and/or The Marion & Joan Smith Memorial Ackerman Reunion Scholarship Fund, Attn. Kenny Clark, PO Box 398, Ackerman, MS 39735.

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