Tylertown, MS
Funeral Home
Starkey Funeral Home
Visitation
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 6-9 pm, Silver Creek Baptist Church, 8017 Silver Dr, McComb, MS
Service
Sunday, March 23, 2025. 2 pm, Silver Creek Baptist Church, McComb, MS.
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 March 18, 2025, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Sergeant Major Wayne Reid “Pete” Smith, age 79, who had served in Company A, 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, Tyiertown, 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:
Wayne Reid “Pete” Smith, 79 of McComb, MS passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at his residence in McComb, MS. He was born Friday, October 5, 1945 in Tylertown, Mississippi.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Silver Creek Baptist Church in 8017 Silver Dr, McComb, MS. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Silver Creek Baptist Church in McComb, MS. Burial will follow in Silver Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in McComb, MS. Rev. Donnie Coker and Rev. Wayne Hall will officiate. Sharkey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 601-276-7475
Wayne joined the Army National Guard in January 1965. After serving 25 years, he retired from the Army National Guard as a Sergeant Major. Wayne was married to Billie Jean Smith (Ricks) for 56 years, 3 months.
Wayne loved to watch all sports. He also loved to fish with his great grandchildren. Wayne loved working outside at his camp. He loved his family deeply and attended all their activities.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie L Smith; mother, Avis E Wallace Smith.
Survivors include his wife, Billie Jean Ricks Smith of Mccomb, MS; daughter, Pamela M Smith Roberts (David) of Bogue Chitto, MS; grandsons, Reid Smith (Caitlin), Blaine Roberts (Gabby) and Brice Roberts (Destiny); granddaughter, Brooklyn Lampton; great grandchildren, Harbor R Smith, Beckam R Smith, Ledger R Smith, Willow M Dennis, Kami Beth Roberts and Maleah L Roberts.
Pallbearers will be Steven Dennis, Steve Mccaskill, Blaine Roberts, Brice Roberts, David Roberts, Michael Smith, Reid Smith, and Zack Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dale Bond, Tony Breeland, Don Fuller, Otis Morris, John Allen Ricks, Beckam Smith, and Ledger Smith.
Special music will be performed by Debbie Coker.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in the name of Wayne “Pete” Smith.