Enoch "Frank" Smith

Enoch Franklin "Frank" Smith, 82 of Long Beach, passed away May 25, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Randolph and Phyllis Smith; brothers, Bill Smith (Billie Sue), Thomas Maurice Smith (Carolyn), Denny Merle Smith (Thelma); sister, Gloria Blackwell; brothers-in-law, Tommy Jenkins, David Smith; sister-in-law, Lady Sue Smith; nephews, Bennie Smith, Tommy Smith, Alan Smith, Randy Smith; niece, Patty McMurray; and great nephew, Hunter Miller.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Ann Marshall Smith and two children, Phyllis Smith Trochesset (Rossi) and David A. Smith (Duane); siblings, Anthony Smith, Phillip Smith (Marie), Gail Smith, and brother-in-law, Bill Blackwell; grandchildren, Megan Trochesset, Kandis Smith, Brooke Trochesset, and Ginger Trochesset; his first wife, Rita Favre Smith; nephews, Mike Smith, Jeff Smith, Robert Smith, Tony Smith, Josh Smith, Mickey Smith, Joe Smith, and Tom Jenkins; nieces, Pam Bennet, Lorraine Smith, Darlene Lenz, Cynthia Smith, Paige Hanberry, Mary Sanderson, Angela Jenkins, and Suzanna Miller. He also had numerous other great nieces and nephews; and honorary nephew, Roosevelt Parker.

Frank was a native of Petal, MS. He graduated from Petal High School, Class of 1957. He went on to serve with the U.S. Army (1959-1962) Security Agency in Okinawa, Japan. He served with the MS Army National Guard 890th Engineer Battalion, Gulfport (1976-1995). He worked as a switchman & freight conductor for the Illinois Central Railroad for 30 years. While working for the railroad, Frank rode his motorcycle to MGCCC and USM-Hattiesburg to earn his bachelor's degree in Sociology. While working for the railroad, Frank also worked for Carl Leggett - Coast Builders and even built some houses himself. Frank was VP for IMPAC Industries and National Plastic Molders, Fulshear, TX.

Some achievements and recognitions Frank received over the years included "All Desoto Conference Football - Petal High School", Player of the Year 1956-1957, Army Sharpshooter Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Honorary Lifetime Membership with Gulf Coast Bonsai Society, "Best Pawpaw in the World" award by four granddaughters.
Frank's interests and hobbies included telling stories, hosting people in his big red barn, reading, walking on the beach & watching birds, bonsai trees, writing Haiku and essays, taking granddaughters on adventures, visiting family, woodworking, photography, rescuing and adopting cats.

Association affiliations throughout the years include the MS Gulf Coast Bonsai Society, Triplett-Day Coffee Table, Gulf Coast Investment Club, USM Alumni Association (Lifetime), National Museum of the Native American member, Supporter of MPB, Walter Anderson Museum, ASPCA, Supporter of South MS Humane Society, member of Coalville UMC.

Frank was "one of a kind"! He loved talking to people and sharing stories (some of them true). According to family, Frank was a "Southern Renaissance Man". He was interested in everything from writing Haiku to woodworking; from reading and quoting all kinds of literature, including Kurt Vonnegut & Jim Harrison to Far Eastern poets and philosophers. Frank loved helping people and wanted to share money, food, and his outlook on life and spiritual values with family, friends, and even strangers (although he "never met a stranger"). Everyone has a story about Frank. Please bring yours to the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi....or just go adopt a cat.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport is serving the family. Visitation will be at the Gulfport chapel beginning at 11:00am, Saturday, May 29, 2021. A funeral service will begin at 1:00pm in the chapel. Interment will be held on Tuesday, June 01, 2021 at 10:00am at the Biloxi National Cemetery.