William "Ed" Smith

Mr. William Edward “Ed” Smith, age 84, of Ocean Springs, MS, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in Ocean Springs.

Ed was born on July 29, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Robert Elmer Smith and Willie Lucille Smith. He graduated from Clarksdale High School and studied at Delta State University, Memphis Academy of Arts and Imperial Valley College. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from civil service as a former engineering draftsman/Illustrator, and his hobbies were sign painting for businesses as well as pet portraits.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Elmer Smith and Willie Lucille Smith, brother, Robert Smith and stepson, David R. Fitzsimmons.

Survivors include his wife, Rachel Smith, children, Marc (Lauren) Smith, stepchildren, Landy Fitzsimmons, Micah Fitzsimmons, and Reba (Matthew) Sumrall, grandchildren, Haden, Kyle (Gabby), Austin (Sara), Breanna and Landon; many nieces and nephews; eight great-grandchildren and his pet, Mac, a five-year-old American Staffy.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 25, from 11 am until 12 pm, with a 12 pm funeral service, all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 1:30 pm in Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of William Edward “Ed” Smith.