Henry K. Smith, 78, lifelong resident of Tippah County, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 10, 2023 at Diversicare Health & Rehabilitation Center in Ripley. Funeral Services remembering the life of Mr. Smith will be at 3 PM Saturday, August 12 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Doc Shelton officiating. Visitation will be from 1 PM to 3 PM Saturday, August 12 at The Ripley Funeral Home. Burial will follow in New Prospect Cemetery.
Mr. Smith was born May 31, 1945 in Ripley, the son of the late James Kimble and Ruth Axon Smith. He was a graduate of South Tippah High School, continued his education at Northeast Mississippi Community College and proudly served as Staff Sergeant in the United States Army for 25 years before retiring in 1988.
A member of Dumas Methodist Church, Mr. Smith will be remembering for his outspoken, “tell it like it is” personality. He was an avid Ole Miss sports fan and enjoyed the Boston Celtic basketball team. Watching westerns on television and fill-in-the-word puzzles were favorite pastimes.
Survivors include one sister, Jennie Brannon (Jimmy) of Ripley, one brother, James E. “Jeb” Smith (Kathleen) of Dumas, six grandchildren, Zach, Madison, Makenzie, Makarley, Anna and Joey and five great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith is preceded by two sons, Scott Smith and Joey Kimble Smith, a sister, Sugenia Tolbird and a brother, Tony Smith.
The Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories.