Dennis Gayden Smith, 80, of Indianola, passed away Monday, July 3, 2023, at his home, with his loving wife by his side.

Dennis was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 7, 1943, to Gayden and Margaurite Smith. He grew up in the Fairview Community of Indianola. Dennis graduated in 1961, from Indianola High School and attended Mississippi State University, The University of Mississippi, and graduated from Delta State University with a bachelor's degree in speech with a minor in music.  He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Before graduating, he fell in love and married Marilyn Bevill. After graduation, they moved to Biloxi where he began teaching Speech and English. Their hearts called them back home to the Delta. He and Marilyn became parents of a daughter, Kelly Rene'. Dennis became Executive Director of South Delta Regional Housing Authority. Here he established homes for hundreds of people across 6 counties of the Delta and retired after over 20 years of service. Dennis had a love for music and played the keyboard. He and his friend, George Lipe, became a duo playing and singing at churches, retirement homes, and community meetings. Dennis also had a love for horses and built a home for them, Walk-A-Mile Stables. Horses were a passion for him, and he bought, sold, raised, trained, traded, and showed many. He had many champions in Walk-A-Mile. His love for animals continued with his granddaughter, Kate. In 4H, she learned to show goats and sheep. Dennis was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, where he continued to play his keyboard for the love of Jesus Christ. He was also a member of Sons of The American Revolution.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn Bevill Smith; daughter, Kelly Rene' Pilgrim and her husband Bubba; two grandchildren, Mary, her lovely daughter, Emmalyn James Steelman, and Kate Street all of Indianola; and one sister, Lynda Myer of Memphis, Tennessee.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, at Christ United Methodist Church in Indianola. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 at the church. The burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Indianola. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.