Jimmie Smith

Jimmie Farrell Smith, age 78, born May 21, 1940, departed from this world on February 12, 2019 in Ocean Springs, MS. He was a long time resident of Gautier, MS.
Jimmie was born in Avery, MS and grew up on a farm in Petal, MS, where he attended high school. On June 11, 1961 he married the love of his life, Barbara Franks.
Jimmie began his career on September 8, 1959 as the first co-op student at Coastal Chemical Plant in Pascagoula, MS. In 1965 he graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and became a full-time employee as a production engineer, where his primary responsibility was troubleshooting problems with the plant. In 1970 he transferred to the process engineering department, and in 1976, was promoted to Chief of Process Engineering. He joined the management team as a Technical Services Superintendent in 1978, supervised several departments with 52 employees who reported to him, and in 1988, he was assigned full-time responsibilities as the company's Environmental Manager. In 2007 he was promoted to the Technical Advisor to the Vice President and General Manager of the plant. His career spanned three owners of the plant, five major hurricanes and countless job responsibilities. In December 2010 he retired after 51 years of loyal, dedicated service.
Jimmie had a passion for gardening, which came from his father at an early age. He enjoyed growing large rewarding gardens every year and sharing the fruits of his labor with his family. During his spare time, he also enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, and football games. He was always very humble about his many accomplishments. He was however very proud of the four successful children he and Barbara raised.
Jimmie is preceded in death by his daughter, Tabetha Lynn Smith O'Neil; parents, Byron Hilliard Smith and Martha Elizabeth Bush Smith; brother, Juan Hilliard Smith; and his sister, Nelda Rebecca Smith Wallace.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Barbara Franks Smith of Gautier; two sons, Gary Paul Smith (Kalynn Smith) of Austin, TX, Jody Wayne Smith of Gautier; one daughter, Tammy Victoria Smith Hutchins of Daphne, AL; one brother, Roy Smith (Joyce Smith) of Petal, MS; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00 - 11:00 AM with funeral service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at O'Bryant O'Keefe Funeral Home Chapel, 3290 Ladnier Rd, Gautier, MS 39553. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs.
The funeral service will be officiated by Bro. Daniel Clark and pallbearers will be David Smith, Preston Smith, Brandon Smith, Brad Jones, Mason Hutchins, Alex O'Neil, Jonathan Baggett, and Joe Hutchins.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. West Jackson County is serving the family. An online obituary may be viewed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com