ATMORE – The Rev. Earnest Smith, a native of Atmore, died May 13, 2011 at a local hospital.

He lived a full life and loved everybody. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church until God called him to preach the gospel himself.

His loving late parents, Lewis and Violet Smith; 11 siblings and his youngest son, Wynie (Wymp) Leon Smith, preceded him in death.

Earnest married Ann Renee and from the marriage nine children were born; he also has 23 grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on May 21, 2011 at Jones Street Holiness Church where Bishop Willie Williams is the pastor and Evangelist Eloise Sprueil, eulogist. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery.

Public viewing was held from 2 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011.

Turner Funeral Chapel directed the services.