Wayne Smith

SMITH Wayne B. entered into the joys of heaven on June 29th, 2016, at Sayre Christian Village. He joined his wife of 63 years Marjorie Lucille Judy (Nov 23, 2014) having fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. There aren't enough adequate words to describe the depth and breadth of the man who was born on January 21, 1929 in Pennsylvania but grew up in Cincinnati, OH. A 1952 graduate of Cincinnati Christian University, he began his ministry in Cynthiana KY pastoring Robinson Christian Church, Stringtown Christian Church and Unity Christian Church before coming to Lexington, KY in 1956. Born of a call from Broadway Christian Church, Smith founded Southland Christian Church where the Chapel bears his name and where he preached for 40 years with the courage of conviction out of a burning desire to love people. With a bucket of fried chicken and his infectious laugh, he represented Jesus through his years of faithful service. His generosity was limitless giving of his time, talents and resources to anyone in need. While he officially retired in 1996, he continued to speak from coast to coast for banquets, revivals, conventions, business gatherings and churches until the day he died. Known as the "Bob Hope of the Ministry", he used humor to convey the love of Christ believing laughter was medicine for the soul. He was the preacher's preacher and he devotedly served the institutions that encouraged and discipled them. He was president of the North American Christian Convention in 1977 which named him one of "God's Honored Servants" in 1996. The "Wayne B. Smith Oratorium" at the CCU chapel is named in his honor where he served as trustee for 25 years as is the "Wayne B. Smith Center for Christian Leadership" at Kentucky Christian College where he received "The Lusby Award" in 1996. He received honorary doctorates from Louisville Bible College (1970), Kentucky Christian College (1975) and Kerala Christian Bible College in India (1989). He was instrumental in the establishment of Christian Student Fellowship at UK, Southern Acres Christian Church, Hill N Dale Christian Church and Eastside Christian Church. He was not shrouded in mediocrity or mystery for we know what he believed and where he stood because his convictions and his life were transparent. He believed the church was to be the conscience of the community so he took public stances and developed intentional relationships with leaders. Assurance for Life and Right to Life honored him in 2009 with the "Power of One" award for his stand protecting life, the Salvation Army honored his community service in 2009 and the Lighthouse Ministry named their new dining facility in 2016 for he and Marge in recognition of his belief that church isn't a museum for the saints but it's a hospital for the hurting. His footprints have been felt and will be seen in places in the days to come for you cannot put footprints or influence in a grave. His legacy will continue through daughters Judy (Kenny) Speaks and Jana (Tim) Thore, grandchildren Lyndsey (Jason) Brinegar, Amanda, Barron, Landon (Michelle) and Austin, greatgrandchildren Dylyn, Gabriella, Braxton and Jackson. He finished his race with a smile on his face, joy in his heart and laughter in his soul and we are all better to have known him. A celebration funeral service will be held July 6 at 1pm at Southland Christian Church's main worship auditorium at 5001 Harrodsburg Road in Jessamine County. Visitation will be held 1-9pm on July 5 and from 10am-12:45pm on July 6 before the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Assurance, 1517 Nicholasville Rd., Lexington, KY 40503, Bluegrass Christian Camp, 7463 Athens Boonesboro Rd., Lexington, KY 40509 or Sayre Christian Village, 3775 Belleau Wood Drive, Lexington, KY 40517. Kerr Brothers on Harrodsburg Road is handling the arrangements.