Executive, Civic Leader Mike Smith Dead At 72
Times Picayune 12-31-1996

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Former Crescent Towing president William S. "Mike" Smith Jr., a retired
businessman and civic leader, died Monday of cancer at Elmwood Medical Center.
He was 72.

He was a former president of Crescent Towing and Salvage and vice president of
T. Smith and Son Inc.

Mr. Smith was a lifelong resident of New Orleans. He graduated from Holy Cross
High School and the University of Notre Dame.

He was a former president of the Sugar Bowl Committee, Morality in Media of
Louisiana and the Notre Dame Club of New Orleans, and chairman of the
Archbishop's Community Appeal, the Archdiocesan Charity Ball and the St.
Mary's Dominican College board of trustees.

He was named Man of the Year in 1975 by Holy Cross High School and was
chairman of its Century '79 campaign. He was a former chairman of the board of
trustees of Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., and received its Gautrelet
Award in 1979 and an honorary doctorate in public service in 1990.

In 1989, Pope John Paul II appointed him a Knight of St. Gregory for his
reputation and accomplishments.

Mr. Smith was co-chairman of the Development Committee for the Little Sisters
of the Poor and a member of the Southern Association of the Sovereign Military
Order of Malta and the Southern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the
Holy Sepulchre.

He was a longtime captain and former king of the Krewe of Hermes.

He was a member or former member of the Plimsoll Club, Mississippi River
Bridge Authority, Southern Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club, Petroleum Club,
Metairie Country Club, International House, New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club
and St. Dominic Council of the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby Hebert Smith; two sons, Kyle Joseph and
William S. Smith III; five daughters, Sharon S. Potter, Penelope S. LeBlanc,
and Sandra M., Donna G. and Rebecca R. Smith; a brother, James E. Smith; a
sister, Marion R. Smith; and eight grandchildren.

A Mass will be said today at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 6666
Spanish Fort Blvd. Burial will be private. Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home is
in charge of arrangements.