Sidney Lamar "Pepper" Smith Iii

I was saddened to learn of Pepper's passing today. Every time our paths crossed I was reminded of his enduring love and advocacy of artists. Over the years I got to know him at the NEA, he made a lot of the work we do at Eyebeam possible. He is missed.

Damn I hate to hear this.

What a good fellow he was, rock-solid, honest, and warm-hearted. Whenever we crossed paths at Ole Miss we always stopped and talked about writing mostly, and creative endeavors, and good things about the world.

His light was like that light you see from a plane at night while flying over the countryside, lighting a barn or a house, bringing comfort to all near to it far out to the edges of its glow, and even so far as to where I sit looking...

Pepper was a more than just a funder of the work that we did at the Center for Artistic Activism, he was a genuine supporter, guider, and friend. The world is richer for having had Pepper in it, and a bit poorer now that he is gone.

Pepper was an absolute delight. Kind, warm, witty, knowledgeable. He always had a great story to fit any occasion. I just learned today of his passing and I just can't believe it. His advice to me and friendship as an NEA grantee was invaluable. I shall always smile when I think of him. My condolences to his wife and son and to those many lives he touched.

Sidney Pepper Smith was delightful, encouraging and and inspiration. His kind-hearted spirit will be missed. - Joy Glidden, ESKFF

Pepper brought support for Art Kibbutz through the NEA for which I'm truly grateful for. But even more so I'm grateful for his friendship and for having faith in me. I didn't know him very well but he made a big impression on me, he was a wonderful person - always personable, attentive, genuine, gentle, and kind - always keeping his family in his heart. I'm in tears right now to hear about his passing. So sorry about your loss!

I think of Pepper's venture into neck-ties most every time I wander into a nice men's store. Not only was his small business a creative endeavor; it was an entrepreneurial leap in a context where ideations of the sort were rarely if ever encountered or encouraged. Pepper not only calculated and then took the leap; he did so with humble, almost sheepish delight. That understated drive, juxtaposed with the image of Pepper "teaching" riflery at Alpine Camp is enough to make me laugh and give...

When I joined the NEA a year ago, Pepper made me feel so welcome. He went out of his way to share support and advice with me. I will miss him and his kind, sweet thoughts. He sent me so many articles on southern food, which we both appreciated.
Brian Lusher

My heart goes out to Pepper's family and his colleagues. I wasn't a close friend but I had the pleasure of knowing him through his work at the NEA Artist Communities grant program. Pepper made the NEA feel like a warm and friendly neighborhood shop. I always enjoyed talking with him. The last time I saw him at the Alliance of Artist Communities conference in Denver, he talked about how much joy his son brought him and showed me pictures of the two of them together. I think of Pepper...