Rev. Earl G. Smith, Jr. was born in Garrad County, Kentucky on September 28, 1928, the only child of Rev. Earl G. Smith and Josephine Williams Smith. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Spillman on September 6, 1948, who was his loving and devoted wife of 51 years. They renewed their vows and love for each other in a beautiful 50th Anniversary Celebra- tion on August 30, 1998. This union was blessed with six children.
Rev. Smith accepted Christ at an early age and received his early religious training in the home of his parents and under his father’s pastorate. He began his formal preparation for the minis- try by attending Simmons University in Louis- ville, Kentucky and graduated in 1957. He accepted the call to ministry and was ordained in October of 1959 by Greater Liberty Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. He received his Master’s and Doctor of Divinity through study at Temple Bible College.
His first pastorate was at Bethsaida Baptist in Lexington, Kentucky where he served for almost 10 years, before the call to Bethel Baptist Church in Maysville, Kentucky. He continued his service in the ministry as Associate Pastor of Union Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Rev. Smith was called to First Antioch Baptist Church in 1981 and faithfully served there until his retirement in 2000.
He was a loyal servant of the Lord. Throughout his service in the ministry, and even after retire- ment, he continued intensive study in Christian doctrine. His children fondly remember many conversations where he demonstrated his passion for the Lord.
Rev. Smith was affiliated with the Ohio Baptist General Association and the Western Union Baptist District. He taught numerous education courses at conventions, religious institutions and colleges. He spoke of being honored to visit the Holy Land and to be able to study abroad.
Rev. Smith departed this earthly life on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. He leaves to cherish his beloved memory: six children, Earlise Smith-Norrils, Yvette Carter, Dionne Smith, Heloise Pitts, Earl Smith III and Babette Reynolds; three sons- in-law, Halbert Norrils, John Pitts and Roger Reynolds; one daughter-in-law, Leslie Carol Smith; 11 grandchildren and six great-grand- children. He was also treasured in the hearts of one sister-in-law, niece, great-nephew and other loving relatives and friends.