J.L. Smith, 87, of Indianola, passed away Saturday, July 8, 2017 at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He was born January 19, 1930 in Union, Mississippi where his parents, William Joseph Smith and Myra Lucille Dorman Smith, resided for four years before moving to Drew. The family later moved to Indianola on December 18, 1942, where he resided until his death. He graduated high school in 1949 and was active in football and baseball. After graduation, he joined the United States Army and spent two years on active duty during the Korean Conflict. He then worked for 35 years with the Mississippi National Guard as the full time Administrative and Supply Technician.

After retiring from fulltime active duty, J.L. and Bonnie Smith traveled the world and were fortunate to make four trips to Canada, one trip to Alaska, and two trips to Mexico. They also toured several countries in Europe including Switzerland, England, France, Italy, and Germany where they were able to view the German production of "The Passion Play".

He married Bonnie Thomas on July 3, 1954, and raised three children: Daphne Smith Cobb of Long Beach, Mississippi, Carol Smith Rose (Sammy) of Indianola, and Jerry Smith of Jackson. They have seven grandchildren: Michael Powell (Stephanie) of Biloxi, Erin Bailey (Kennon) of Long Beach, Cassey Rose Hardin (Mark) of Indianola, Samuel Rose of Indianola, Layne Smith of Houston, Texas, Matthew Smith of Jackson, and Luke Smith of Birmingham, Alabama. They have six great grandchildren: Aleighson and Bella Bailey of Long Beach, Rose, Mills, and Maryn Hardin of Indianola and Avery Powell of Biloxi.

J.L. was a member of the First Baptist Church in Indianola where he was a member of the Chapel Sunday School class. He was also a member of the American Legion and the "McDonald's" coffee club that meets 1-2 times daily.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 12, 2017 from 1:00 pm until the 2:00 pm funeral service at First Baptist Church in Indianola. Burial will follow in Indianola City Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.burtonfuneralhome.net