J. Hugh Smith

Brandon, Ms.- J. Hugh Smith passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 15th, 2017. J. Hugh was born in 1940 on the 20th of August in Brookhaven, Ms. where he lived until the early 70’s.  He and his family then moved to the Jackson area where he raised his children and he lived in Brandon, Ms. the last 25 years of his life.

Early in his life through High School, he excelled in athletics. Basketball, baseball, track or whatever the sport may be, his quickness and speed served him well. He was known at the time as the only man to outrun the great Lance Alworth.

As was the case for many of his generation, he worked two or three jobs simultaneously to provide for his family. An entrepreneur at heart, he owned a gas station and lounge, but his true talent became evident in construction and home building.

He worked hard and lived hard. During these years he became an outstanding golfer, playing most of his golf at Brookwood C.C. in Jackson and then over the past twenty five plus years at Bay Pointe R&GC in Brandon. One pro once remarked, "if I ever needed to make a putt that mattered, I'd want J. Hugh rolling the rock for me."

A lover of country music, many still remember his saying "Hello Darlin," when the bones treated him right at his favorite casino. He loved a good party, loved to dance, especially to country music, but mostly cherished the time with family and friends.

J. Hugh had many nicknames, as is the case when people truly care for you. "Hootie," "J. Hughie," "Lizard," and "Wormy," were just a few, but without a doubt "Daddy" and "Paw Paw'" were his Favorite names.

J. Hugh lived a full life, burning the candle at both ends. As one of his sons stated, "his life should be likened to one of the songs he loved sung by Elvis; I did it my way." J. Hugh certainly did.

Mr. Smith was proceeded in death by his parents: Mother - Josie Dell Smith, and Father- Hugh W. Smith, Is survived by Sister Alice Faye Britt (husband) Dennis, Daughter Donna Rachelle Rogers (husband) Bo, Sons Randall Hugh Smith (wife) Rochelle; Jay Robin Smith (wife) Michelle, and their Mother Donna Spencer. Grandchildren: Justin (fiance) Lindsay, Stephen (wife) Jenna; Travis; Connor (wife) Hannah; Cheyenne, Jayden, Brady and Sophia. Step-Grand children; Meghan(husband) Dusty, Marla, Maddie and Nick. Great-Grand Children: Baylin, Noah and Collin.

Family visitation will be held at Ott and Lee Funeral Home on Highway 80 in Brandon on Saturday, December 30th from 3-4 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the same location from 4-5pm. At 5:30 pm a Gathering for friends and family will be held at Bay Pointe R&GC on Highway 471 in Brandon.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in the name of J. Hugh Smith to: God's Haven Ministries 800 Raymond Road Jackson, Ms. 39204