Mr. Lacey Smith, Jr. O
n August 4, 1944, Mrs. Mary Lee and Mr. Lacey Smith, Sr., two very proud parents, announced the birth of their first child. Their new son was the first of five children, four boys, and a girl. The boy was named Lacey, after his father. During those early years, the child grew and was pampered with much love and affection. He attended the Foote Homes Kindergarten, which prepared him for his next eight years at Leath Elementary School. He was a bright but mischievous little boy. Although Lacey seemed awfully energetic, his favorite hobby was reading. He and the neighborhood librarian were very good friends, so he could borrow as many books as he liked. They were almost always books about horses. He always wanted to have a ranch and raise horses. This is undoubtedly where he gained his love for cowboy hats, leather suits, and cowboy boots. Following grade school, Lacey entered Booker T. Washington High School as an enthusiastic teenager. During his years there, he faced his first major crisis. He was influenced greatly by his peers, they shot hookey, and a few participated in teenage antics. These activities went on until his senior year, when the prospect of high school graduation grew dim. Although he was off track, he listened to his assistant principal and persuasive teachers - among those his favorite - you guessed it….the football coach. His coach told him that his athletic ability was excellent, but if he intended to graduate and attend college, he would have to improve his grades. This seemed to turn him around. If these efforts were not enough, he met and fell in love with a beautiful honor student named Cathelia Barr. In order to prove that he could excel, he got busy. He finished high school that year in 1962. Lacey went on to marry Cathelia in 1971. Lacey attended Arkansas AM&N (Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. He graduated from Mississippi Industrial College and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued his studies and earned his Master of Arts degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In 1966, he began his teaching career. He taught Social Studies, such as American History and Economics, in Mississippi, Arkansas, and finally Tennessee.
In Memphis, Coach Smith taught at Messick High School, where he served as Assistant Football Coach. His stellar performance earned him a recommendation for a head coaching position at Northside High School. Lacey’s valiant efforts took the Northside Cougars from losing seasons into the winner’s circle. Off the field, Lacey served as Football Chairman of the Memphis Interscholastic Athletic Association, MIAA, where he was chosen Coach of the Year by this organization in 1976. He was a lifetime member of the American Football Coaches Association and attended the annual coach’s convention faithfully. In 1978, Coach Smith took his winning talents all the way to the Music City Bowl. There was no doubt that he had become one of Memphis’ most respected educators and coaches. Coach Smith took a profound interest in his players, making every attempt to steer his athletes toward higher education. He taught the lessons of life and athletics to students at Messick, Northside, Southside, Raleigh-Egypt, Melrose, Hillcrest, and Mitchell High Schools until he retired in 2009. Outside of his school activities, Lacey was an active church member. Lacey confessed a love for Christ at an early age and diligently attended church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. James L. Netters, Sr. He served as a dedicated Trustee and Men’s Day Chairman for Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Westwood, for many years. He was always a persuasive fundraiser for men’s month activities and would not take no for an answer to his request for a donation. Lacey loved his church and took great pride in dressing sharply in a tailor-made suit and boots with a hat to match. At the time of his death, Lacey Smith, Jr. remained faithfully married to his high school sweetheart Cathelia and was the doting father of three wonderful children: Stephanie, Bobby II, and Tony. Lacey leaves to cherish fond memories, two brothers, Howard Smith and Bobby Smith I, two sisters, Terri Smith and Kathleen Monday, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a host of loving family members and friends. Lacey was also preceded in death by his son, Tony Alexander Smith, his brother, Jerry Smith, and his sister, Donna Smith.
C
herished Memories
Order of Celebration Saturday, January 15, 2022 12:00 Noon
Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church
Prelude
620 Parkrose Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38109 Pastor Melvin D. Watkins, Jr., Officiating
Processional Scripture Reading: Old Testament........................................................................................................Deacon Darrell Anderson New Testament.........................................................................................................Deacon Wayne Scurlock Prayer of Comfort................................................................................................................Deacon Quincy Hathorn Musical Celebration.....................................................Vernetta Whitley, Donna Somerville Price, & Eddie Miller
“Remembering Mr. Lacey Smith, Jr” (Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
John White - Classmate Marshall Williams - Friend Mark Harper - Former Player Horizine Jackson - Family
Musical Celebration..............................................................................................................................Barry Brown Resolution.................................................................................................................................Deacon James Stone Acknowledgements...........................................................................................................................Graftie Norman Musical Celebration.............................................................................................................................Shirley Green Eulogy..........................................................................................................................Pastor Melvin D. Watkins, Jr. Recessional
~ Acknowledgements ~
The family of Mr. Lacey Smith, Jr. offers our sincere appreciation for the many acts of kindness extended during the illness and homegoing of our loved one. Your thoughtfukness and expressions of love strengthen us. We appreciate your continued prayers and encouragement. May God bless you with abundance and grace and keep you in His care. Special thanks to the wonderful team of caregivers! ~The Family of Mr. Lacey Smith, Jr.
~ Honorary Pallbearers Former Coaches Former Players
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~ Active Pallbearers ~ J.C. Smith, Jr. Howard Smith, Jr. Sean Smith Dante Smith Ronald Shotwell Marvell Taylor James Hill Vearnon Woods
~Committal Rites & Interment~ Historic Elmwood Cemetery 724 Dudley Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38104
~Celebratory Repast~
Saturday, January 15, 2022 • 5:00 P.M. Williams Family Event Center 5411 Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis, Tennessee 38116
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