Russell Smith

Russell Junior Smith, 79, left for his heavenly home at 12:40 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006, from his residence in Charleston, Mo.

Mr. Smith was born July 6, 1927, in Colbert County, Ala., to Samuel Ervin Smith and Neva Virginia Rutherford Smith.

After serving as a corporal in the Army, he moved to Charleston with his parents in December 1950. There he met and married Ava Nell Sims in May 1953.

Russell owned and operated Russell Smith Painting and Drywall for over 50 years, and was elected sheriff of Mississippi County in 1980.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jane Russell Smith; two brothers, Ralph Smith and Raymond Smith; two sisters, Ruby Turkula and infant sister; and his in-laws, Clyde and Bessie Sims.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years; three sons, Larry R. Smith and wife Robin of Charleston, Mickey J. Smith and wife Pam of Union City, Tenn., Casey S. Smith and wife Carolyn of Nashville, Tenn.; two daughters, Judy K. Morehead and husband Stan of Dothan, Ala., Kathy J. Browning and husband Jimmy of Charleston; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Ray Smith of Muscle Shoals, Ala.; two sisters, Rachel Mix of Charleston, Reba Laster of Miner, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston Friday from 4 p.m. until time for the memorial service at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Michael Brewer, pastor of First Baptist Church in Charleston, and Stan Morehead of Dothan will officiate.

The family would like to thank Martha Murray and Anita Brazell for their kindness and assistance over the last year.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Tri County Group XV, 1226 Linn St. Sikeston, Mo., 68301, or VNA Hospice, 1218 Linn St., Sikeston.