04/23/2026
Dr. Dwight L. Smith passed away peacefully on the morning of April 23, 2026, at his home, surrounded by those who loved him.
Survivors include his wife of over 39 years, Diane; children, Angie Smith, Bryan Smith, Bruce Smith and Allison (Mike) DeWitt. Grandchildren: Bethany Smith, Emily (Sam) Wilkerson, Walker DeWitt, Jordan Walters, Natalie DeWitt and Lindsey Smith, and great grandson, Micah Wilkerson, as well as, special family friends, Aleksey Biriukov, Inna and Maiia Biriukova. Brother, Mitchel Smith (Diane) and sister Laynea Harvill (John) and a host of nieces and nephews. Preceded by parents Virgil and Gladys Smith, first wife Geri Smith, 13 siblings, and daughter Lee Ann Clayton Walters.
Dwight served as pastor for over 60 years serving in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi, with 16 years at West Ellisville Baptist Church and nine years at First Baptist Florence, MS. Before retirement he served as Director of Missions for the Wayne County Baptist Association for nine years.
Born on December 5, 1940, he was the tenth child of Virgil and Gladys Smith, in a family that would grow to sixteen children. Together, they built not only a household, but a legacy of resilience, faith, and unwavering love.
Growing up in rural Greene County during the 1940s and 50s shaped Dwight into the man he would become. He often shared stories of those early years—of skinny-dipping in ponds, wrestling an alligator from Uncle Bill’s pond, and working tirelessly on the family farm. Among his many siblings, five brothers—Dwight, Wayburn, Kenny, Wallace, and Mitch—formed a bond that would last a lifetime. Together, they were teammates in every sense: in the cotton fields, on the football field, on the basketball court, and in life.
At a young age, Dwight made the most important decision of his life: he chose to follow Christ. That decision, simple yet profound, became the foundation of everything that followed. Years later, he would fully surrender to ministry, dedicating his life to sharing the Gospel and teaching others at home and abroad.
Dwight attended William Carey College, following his mother’s advice. There, a pivotal moment led him to change his academic path to English—an adjustment that would define his future. He became a devoted student of Scripture, a gifted teacher, and a lifelong learner. While he never sought recognition as a great preacher, those who knew him best often said, “He taught me the Bible.” While he continued to be a student and often used anthologies and a Greek bible to get to the root word, Dwight believed deeply that while life can be complex, God’s plan is simple and His love is accessible to all.
His greatest accomplishment was not measured in titles or achievements, but after attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he received a Doctorate of Ministry from Luther Rice Theological Seminary. He served twice on the Board of Trustees at William Carey for two terms, as well as, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Southeastern Baptist College. He also served on the State Board of Missions of the Florida Baptist Convention, 1975-1978; the Committee on Committees of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1987-1988, as well as serving as the President of the Mississippi Baptist Pastors Conference. He was the author of Were You There, and The Story of His Glory. He also ministered in Peru, India and Africa.
Dwight’s passion was leading others to Christ, and he considered those he guided in faith to be the true jewels in his crown.
Officiating the service will be his brother, Rev. Mitchel Smith, and Rev. Charles Davis. Pallbearers will be: Aleksey Biriukov, B.L. Brooks, Danny Chancellor, Mike DeWitt, Art Simpson, and Tim Wise. Honorary Pallbearers: Larry Blakeney, Larry Brewer, Pat Butler, Hal Crocker, Henry Fountain, Eric Herrington, David Holston, Charles Mixon, Eddie Malone, Harlon Phillips, Harvey Phillips, Bobby Walters, Gary Walters, and Wayne Windham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Ellisville Baptist Church Building Fund, by calling the church office or by clicking the link below: https://forms.ministryforms.net/viewForm.aspx?formId=44d42d12-65ac-45a1-932a-f3ee49ea8a8d&app-redirect=churchMinistryOne&source=20.
Visitation will be held on April 25,2026, at West Ellisville Baptist Church, Ellisville, Mississippi, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Funeral services will follow at 11:30AM at the same location, with burial at 2:00PM West Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, 2334 West Salem Road in Piave, MS. Arrangements are under the care of Ellisville Funeral Home.
