Reverend Winford Arsten Smith was born on November 29, 1947, to the late Katherine and Arsten Smith of Prospect, Tennessee. On October 29, 2026, he peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, humility, and devoted service to God and others.
Winford attended Bridgeforth High School, although he did not matriculate from Bridgeforth, he later received his GED. He dedicated 42 years of faithful service to Maremont Gabriel, from which he retired. A hardworking man with a love for the outdoors, he was an avid hunter who especially enjoyed sharing that passion with his family. He took great pride in teaching his sons and nephews the art of hunting, creating cherished memories and passing down a tradition that will live on through generations.
In his late twenties, Winford answered God’s call to preach the Gospel. After becoming an ordained minister, he devoted much of his life to serving the Lord and shepherding His people. He served faithfully as an Associate Minister at Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church and held leadership positions as Moderator and Vice Moderator of the Greater Richland Creek Association. His pastoral journey included 32 years of dedicated service as Pastor of Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church. He also served as Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church of Bodenham and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church for 14 years. Through his preaching, leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the ministry, he touched countless lives and made a lasting impact on the congregations and communities he served.
Those who knew Winford will remember him as a kind, humble, and gentle man who was deeply loved by many. He carried himself with grace, treated others with compassion, and valued the relationships he built throughout his life. Above all, he cherished his family and took great pride in the love they shared.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 13, 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am in the chapel of Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory.
The funeral service will follow at 11:00am.
Interment will be held in Maplewood Cemetery.
Winford leaves to cherish his precious memories his adoring, devoted, and loving wife of 59 years, Ruby Smith; two devoted sons, Wendell W. Smith (Trina Pointer) of Athens, Alabama, and Jonathan L. (Rachel) Smith of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; one loving daughter, Jacqueline Smith of Pulaski, Tennessee; and three grandsons, Scottie Braden of LaVergne, Tennessee; Antrell W. (Jessica) Smith of Athens, Alabama; and Isa Isom of Pulaski, Tennessee.
He also leaves five brothers: Kenneth (Phyllis) Smith of Prospect, Tennessee; Joe Smith of Pulaski, Tennessee; James Smith of Athens, Alabama; Terry (Sheila) Smith of Pulaski, Tennessee; and Richard Smith of Decatur, Alabama.
Three sisters: Marjorie (Larry) Bass of Prospect, Tennessee; Linda Johnny) Wright of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and Sharon (Sam) Braden of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Three sisters-in-law: Norma Smith of Prospect, Tennessee; Mary Coleman of Pulaski, Tennessee; and Brenda (Harold) Swinger of Pulaski, Tennessee.
He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Katherine and Arsten Smith; two brothers, Donald Smith and Willie Lewis Smith; and his son, Christopher Smith.
Though our hearts are saddened by his departure, we find comfort in knowing that Reverend Winford Arsten Smith’s life was one of purpose, faith, and service. His work in the vineyard of the Lord, his love for his family, and the kindness and humility he displayed will never be forgotten. His earthly journey has ended, but the seeds of faith he planted, the lives he touched, and the love he shared will continue to flourish for generations to come.
Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Winford Arsten Smith.
