Luther ‘Jay’ Smith

Luther “Jay” Smith, 79, of Thebes, died Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at his residence.

He was born on Dec. 13, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Luther and Reba Irene Rudluff Smith. 

He married Jo Catherine McNelly on June 4, 1976.

He was a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army. He was a retired corrections officer from the Marion Federal Penitentiary. 

However, the job he loved the most was as a school bus driver for the Shawnee Unit 84 School District. 

He belonged to the Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Thebes and loved it very much. Other activities include body building, hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Jo Catherine Smith; a brother, J. Don (Sherri) Smith; sons Brian Smith and Randy (Sharon) Smith; a daughter, Teri; stepdaughters, Darla (James) Matlock, Terri (Marlin) Burd and Kim Smithey; stepson Raymond E. Baugher Jr.; other nieces and nephews;  and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren.

Funeral services were Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 1 p.m. at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, with the Rev. Turner officiating.  Military honors were accorded at the funeral home.

Interment followed the service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms was in charge of arrangements.