MADISON — Wayne Smith, a former alderman for Vicksburg, passed away Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon in the fellowship hall at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Jackson, followed at noon by a Memorial Celebration of Life Service at the church. Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.

Wayne was born Nov. 29, 1952, in Vicksburg to James and Ruby Jewel Smith. He graduated from Warren Central High School, where he excelled in football and track and was voted captain of his football team his senior year. He then graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1975 with a degree in Urban and Municipal Recreation.

He returned to Vicksburg to work in the city recreation department and worked his way up to superintendent of the department at the young age of 25. He was elected South Ward Alderman at the age of 28, a full-time position in Vicksburg, and served three terms in office. One of the many highlights of his tenure was helping bring casino gaming to Vicksburg.

At the end of his term in 1993, he moved to Madison and was hired at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to facilitate the legislative bond bill to construct golf courses in Sardis and McComb. He was then named executive director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, followed by being named executive director of the State Fair Commission, from which he retired in 2002. In retirement, he worked part time with the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Madison and started a small business called F and W Distributors.

He was a life member of the USM Alumni Association. Accomplishments during his work life included serving on the Board of Directors of the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District, the Mississippi Municipal League, the Hotel/Motel Association and as president of the Metro Jackson Attractions Association. While in Vicksburg, he received awards for outstanding leadership from the BMX Parents Association, the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation and received the United Way of Warren County President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership. He also was one of the original organizers of Riverfest and served on the Sprague Artifacts Restoration Committee.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Frances of Madison; brothers Joe Smith (Carolyn), Richard Smith (Jeanette), Bill Smith and Charley Smith (Bille Sue); and sisters, Catherine Hollowell (Bob) and Linda Hull (James), all of Vicksburg; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, two godchildren and his dearly loved dogs, Baby Girl and LadyBug.

Wayne is described by friends as an easy man to like who never had a bad word to say about anybody. He believed it was important to give back. He was a man of integrity, compassion, humor and had a fierce loyalty and the deepest love for his wife, family and friends. We all miss him, but we will honor and cherish his memory forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any animal rescue organization, as his rescue pets were one of his greatest joys.