Lamar F. Smith, 94, died Dec. 27, 2006 in Tyler, Texas. Smith was born Feb. 5, 1912 in Flora, Mississippi. He was the eldest child of Ida and David Smith and attended the St. Louis Public Schools where he graduated from Sumner High School. Smith attended Stowe Teachers College and then went on to attend the University of Iowa where he obtained a BS degree in health and physical education.
Smith received his master’s degree from the University of Iowa and also studied at Saint Louis University, Kansas University and Washington University. He later met and married his college sweetheart, Atrell Jett who preceded him in death after 62 years of marriage. Smith was employed by Sumner High School where he was affectionately known as “Coach Cannonball.” During his tenure at Sumner he was an award-winning coach that led the Bulldogs to win nine state titles.
He has been a faithful member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity for 72 years. He has been a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church for many years.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Murdock (Nathaniel); granddaughter, Lisa Murdock Douglas (Herald); grandsons, Kevin and Darren (Lauren) Pearson and Kenneth Murdock (Anyta); great grandchildren, Lindsay and Corey Pearson and Jackson and Aidan Douglas.
The visitation will be held Jan. 7 from noon to 7 p.m. at William C. Harris Funeral Directores, 9825 Halls Ferry Rd. The funeral is scheduled for Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. at the All Saints Episcopal Church, 2831 N. Kingshighway. Entombment will be private.
All donations can be made to the Epislon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity scholarship fund in memory of Lamar F. Smith.