Obituaries: Russell N. Smith, 1973, Winn Parish, LA.
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: May 23, 1973 Winn Parish Enterprise News-American
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483

Russell Smith, Auto Dealer Dies May 19th

Winnfield automobile dealer and merchant Russell N. Smith, Sr. died May 19,
Saturday, during a brief hospitalization here.

He was 47 and he had been undergoing medical treatment several months.

Smith was owner of the Max Thieme Chevrolet Company dealership and he was
president of Gibson's Discount Store here and in Ferriday.

He began his automobile career in 1944 as a mechanic for the dealership then
owned and operated by the late Max Thieme.  In 1945 he moved into the office
as a bookkeeper and office manager, acquired the dealer franchise in 1954, and
full ownership in 1959.

The business was moved to new quarters in 1963 and it is still operated there,
U. S. 167-84 intersection, west.

In April, 1964, he was appointed to the Winnfield Utilities Commission and
served on that body until it was dissolved and its responsibilities placed
directly under the mayor and city council in 1966.

Smith was one of the organizers and firm supporters of Winn Academy, a private
school with grades K-12.  He served on its board of directors and a school
spokesman said he had provided a major contribution to the school's
development with his financial advice.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel
with the Rev. Calvin Phelps officiating.  According to Smith's request, his
body was cremated and the ashes were scattered on Saline Lake near his
camphouse.  Services were conducted there Tuesday afternoon with the Rev.
Calvin Phelps officiating.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Minnette Smith, Winnfield; five children,
Randolph and Brad Smith, Winnfield; Russell N. Smith, Jr., Alexandria; Mrs.
Sharil Laughlin, Winnfield; Miss Kathryn Smith, Winnfield; two stepdaughters,
Mrs. Walterene Davison, Winnfield; Deborah Fontenot, Winnfield, and three
brothers, Huey Smith, Ferriday, Billy Smith, Houston, and James Smith,
Alexandria.