Certain sounds are synonymous with certain sports and times of year.

The crack of plastic pads means football is here. Squeaking shoes through a gym door indicates basketball season. And in Warren County, the loud call of “Strrieeekkk!” meant it was baseball season.

When you heard that, there was no mistaking that George Smith was behind the plate and the game you were watching was in good hands.

Sadly, we’ve heard it for the last time.

George died last weekend at the age of 67, after collapsing while officiating a basketball game. He was a pretty good basketball referee, but it was really a side hustle for him. What he’ll really be remembered for is his work on the baseball diamond.

George was, quite simply, the best around. He was knowledgeable and fair, loved and respected by everyone he crossed paths with. He built long-term relationships with coaches and players that went beyond the playing field and transcended generations. He was a mentor to other officials — there probably isn’t one around here that didn’t learn something from George — and a friendly face at whatever game he was working.

George started umpiring games in 1987. I’d known him for the past 20 years, and in all that time I’m not sure I ever once saw him scowl or get mad. He was a kindly, patient grandfather type who gladly took the time to explain something if asked, or just say hello and crack a joke in between innings.

Some people change over the years, especially as they get older. They get meaner, or maybe build some grudges that last for years. George never did. In doing some fact checking for his obituary, I found a story written about him in 2002. The glowing things people said about him then were almost word-for-word the same things they said yesterday.

Tributes are also flowing in. Warren Central’s baseball team presented Smith’s family with a gift and had them on hand to throw out the first pitch before Tuesday’s game against Clinton. Smith’s fellow umpires will wear wristbands with “GEO7” — the number he wore on his umpire’s jersey — for the rest of season.

Smith’s funeral is Saturday at 11 a.m. at Greater Grove Street Baptist Church. Visitation is Friday, from 1 to 5 p.m. at C.J. Williams Mortuary Services, 4310 Halls Ferry Road, with a wake to follow from 6 to 8 p.m. at Greater Grove Street Church.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out over the two days to honor a great umpire and a better man. And that is the greatest tribute of all to life well-lived.

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Ernest Bowker is sports editor of The Vicksburg Post. He can be reached at ernest.bowker@vicksburgpost.com