Luther Smith

THEBES, Ill. — Luther "Jay" Smith, 79, of Thebes passed away at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at his home.

He was born Dec. 13, 1943, to Luther and Reba Irene Rudluff Smith in Cape Girardeau. He married Jo Catherine McNelly on June 4, 1976.

Jay was a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army. He was a retired corrections officer from Marion Federal Penitentiary. However, the job he loved the most was as a school bus driver for Shawnee Unit 84 School District. He belonged to Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Thebes and loved it very much. His other activities included body building, hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Jo Catherine Smith; brother, J. Don (Sherri) Smith; sons, Brian Smith and Randy (Sharon) Smith; daughter, Teri; stepdaughters, Darla (James) Matlock, Terri (Marlin) Burd and Kim Smithey; stepson, Raymond E. Baugher Jr.; other nieces and nephews; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of all whom he adored.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Turner officiating. Interment will follow the service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.