Mr. Earnest Lee Smith, age 71 passed from this life on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at approximately 4:25 p.m. at Baptist Memorial Hospital Desoto in Southaven, MS.

He was born on December 28, 1946 in Lima, Ohio to the union of Louis Charles and Alma Bernice (Southern) Smith Sr. both parents precede him in death.

On September 14, 1996 he was united holy matrimony to Ginnice Simpson-Smith

He attended New Hope Freewill Baptist in Union City, TN. Earnest enjoyed traveling, watching western movies, and being with family and friends. He has never met a stranger.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his wife Ginnice,  2 sons and 2 stepsons; Shawn Smith, Dana Durr, Daquion Simpson, all in Lima, OH and Dontez Simpson, of Martin, TN.  2 daughters; Tara Smith, and TeKeisha Durr both in Lima, OH; 26 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers Michael Smith (Vicki) and Timothy Smith both of Lima; 4 sister Beverly (Winifred/Bill) Long, of Perrysburg, OH, Debbie (Robert) Herron, Verna (Rev Steven) Wash, and Carmen Smith all of Lima; father and mother in- law, JW and Ella Mae Simpson, of Lima. A host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Louis Smith Jr, and Ronnie Smith Sr.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday May 3, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Providence Missionary Baptist Church where friends may call from 12:00 noon until time of service at the church.

Rev. Arthur Butler will be officiating.

Services Entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

Condolences for the Smith Family can be made at:  Jonesclarkfuneralhome.com