Luther Bruce Smith

Funeral services for Mr. Luther Bruce Smith will begin at 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home chapel with the Reverends Chip Cowsert and Dr. Dan Lanier officiating. Interment will follow at Hamrick Cemetery in Collinsville, MS. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Smith, 70, of Meridian, died Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Ochsner Rush Medical Center in Meridian.

Luther Bruce Smith was born March 24,1953 in Laurel, Mississippi, to Jasper Henry Smith Sr. and Evelyn Elizabeth Vance, Luther lived a life marked by a deep passion for learning and a unique appreciation for all things old and interesting.

Luther's life was characterized by conscientious, diligent, and steadfast commitment. He was a man who loved to learn and had a lifelong desire for education. He was a naturalist to a fault. Cut from a different cloth, he loved being outdoors and in God’s creation at any given chance. He often found joy in observing wildlife and sharing this love with his family. Luther could often be found with snakes, insects, and even alligators to show off. Life was always interesting and full of surprises. In his spare time, Luther enjoyed fly fishing. He was a man of quiet strength and few words, but when he spoke it was worth listening to.

His passing leaves a gap in the lives of those who knew him, but his memory, love, and the knowledge he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Luther is survived by his wife of 43 years, Tina Fitzgerald Smith; children Lindi Palmer (David) and Tyler Smith (Caroline); grandchildren Laney Palmer, Aiden Palmer, Irwin Leigh, Noah Smith, Alexander Smith, and Silas Smith; siblings, Elizabeth Beckham (Gary), Jerry Smith (Carla), James Smith, and Velma Rainer (Terry), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Evelyn Smith; and his brother, Henry Smith.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Smith, David Palmer, Jerry Smith, James Smith, Terry Rainer, and Richard Anderson.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

The Smith Family will receive guests from 11:00 AM until 12:45 PM prior to funeral rites in the chapel.