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A.R. Smithers Obituary
Randy was a retired Mississippi school administrator. He retired after 20 years in the public school system, serving as administrator in Belen, Tippo, Holcomb, and Grenada. In 1993 he retired as the Headmaster of Kirk Academy after serving 23 years.
Randy was born in Webb, Miss., to Johnny and Thelma Smithers. During his senior year at Clarksdale High School in 1941, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp. He served 3 years and was stationed on 32 Pacific Islands during World War II. He returned home, graduated from Clarksdale High School, and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree from Delta State Teacher s College (DSU). Randy received his M.A. degree from the University of Mississippi.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. When he accepted the position of Headmaster of Kirk Academy in 1970, he was instrumental in the formation of the Mississippi Private School Association (MPSA) and became very involved in the MPSA. He served on numerous MPSA committees, including the Academy Activities Commission (AAC). In recognition of his dedication and loyalty to the MPSA and the AAC for his efforts in the success of the MPSA All-Star Basketball games, in 1988 they were named in his honor. In 1991 he was awarded the MPSA Joe Shepherd Memorial Service Award. In August of 2005 he was inducted into the MPSA Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Thelma Smithers, a sister, Beulah Smithers Maddox, and a nephew Hugh Maddox, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Francis Frankie Smithers, four sons; Allen and his wife Rene and grandchildren Chas (Amanda), Amber and Austin of Grenada; Jack and his wife Brenda and grandchildren Arrie Anne and Jackie of Madison; Brent and his wife Stacy and grandchildren Emma and Cole of Laurel, Michael and a very special friend Van Hartenstein of Birmingham, Alabama, and one niece Linda Maddox Murray.
The family requests that any memorials be sent to Kirk Academy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for A.R. Smithers
Jennifer Jones Hughes
December 18, 2006
I am very thankful that I was under the leadership of Mr. Smithers during my school years. He will be missed. The family will be in our prayers.
Marion Jones
December 16, 2006
Allen,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family,
ANNE ` Alexander
December 15, 2006
Dear Frankie and Family....Bob and I extend our sympathy to you in the loss of your husband and father...We enjoyed our years at Kirk with you and marvel at what you and Randy did in making it the school that it is today...Blessings to you ..Anne and Bob Alexander
Hayes and Loyce Miles
December 15, 2006
Dear Mrs. Smithers and family,
Hayes and I are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Smithers. He was a fine man and educator and will be missed. Please know that our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Joyce Green
December 15, 2006
Dear Frankie,
You know I love you and yours! Randy will be sorely missed. My prayers are with you.
Penny Tribble Canterbury
December 15, 2006
Mrs. Smithers and Brent,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Smither's death. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert Foreman
December 15, 2006
Mrs.Smithers, you and the kids are in our prayers.I really enjoyed the times with Mr. Smithers at school and on the golf course.
Robert
Wanda Orr
December 15, 2006
Our condolences to you, Frankie, and your children. We are thankful for Randy's life and his impact on many young peoples' lives.
Donald, Wanda,
Brent Orr, and Stancy Orr Bond
Jimmy Rigdon
December 15, 2006
Mrs. Smithers and Allen,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Smithers passing. He had a great effect in my life and was one of the best principals I had ever worked for.
You will be in my family's prayers.
December 15, 2006
Even though we can't be with you at this time we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during the days ahead. Robert & Ann Perry, Clearwater, FL
BILLY WELLS
December 15, 2006
FRANKIE AND FAMILY, SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RANDY,I AM IN NORTH CAROLINA wILL BE THINKING OF YOU. BIOLLY
Gary Harper
December 15, 2006
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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