Services for William J. Smith, of Hazlehurst, were March 15 atPine Bluff Baptist Church in Hazlehurst with burial in the churchcemetery. Community Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Smith, 86, died March 13, 2006, at Hardy Wilson MemorialHospital in Hazlehurst. He was born on Oct. 16, 1918, to Isom Smithand Beulah Reed Smith.

He was retired from the Mississippi State ExperimentStation.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wives, Olla MaeSmith and Nellie Smith; his sons, Jerald and Jerry Smith; his threebrothers; and his three sisters.

Survivors are his son, Leon Smith and wife, Jean, of Hazlehurst;his three stepchildren; and his nine stepgrandchildren.