Noxapater, MS
Funeral Home
Massey Funeral Home
Visitation
11 am- 2 pm, Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Massey Funeral Home.
Service
2 pm, Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Massey Funeral Home.
Obituary
Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on September 22, 2025, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Chief Warrant Officer Four William “LP” Paul Smith, Jr., age 52, who had served in the 367th Maintenance Company has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.
Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:
William “LP” Paul Smith, Jr., 52, of Noxapater, Mississippi, passed away on September 20, 2025. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 24 at 2 p.m. in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Chris Vowell and Bro. Chris Nowell officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 11 a.m. until service time at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi.
LP was born on April 11, 1973, to William Paul, Sr. and Addy Howard Smith. With his outgoing personality, he was a man who never met a stranger and was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Known for his great sense of humor, his hardworking spirit, and his willingness to lend a hand, he lived his life with kindness and generosity. He enjoyed riding horses, farming, working on anything mechanical, and spending time outdoors. Above all, his greatest happiness came from being with his family, especially his grandchildren who lovingly called him “Pops.” LP proudly served for more than 30 years in the Army National Guard where he attained the rank of CW4.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shelba Smith; his children, Tracy Waddell and husband Austin of Philadelphia, Mississippi, Macie Barrett of Noxapater, Mississippi, and Austin Barrett and wife Gayden of Philadelphia, Mississippi; his mother, Addy Howard Smith; his sister, Lisa Smith of Noxapater, Mississippi; and his brother, Bobby Smith of Louisville, Mississippi. He also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Jaxon Franklin, Braxton Waddell, Riley Barrett, Cross Barrett, Arleigh Waddell, Wrenlee Barrett, and Bowen Barrett, along with his niece Haley Smith and nephew Haden Smith. LP was preceded in death by his father, William Paul Smith, Sr.
LP will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, “Pops,” and friend. His love for his family, his ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him, and his generous heart will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
In lieu of flowers memorials in honor of LP may be given to Purple Heart Foundation online at https://purpleheartfoundation.org/ways-to-give/.
Services are under the direction of Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.masseyfuneralhome.net.