Chadwick Aaron Smith

Chad Smith, a 1995 graduate of Amory High School and Entertainment for Education Scholarship awardee, transitioned to his next life on Thursday, February 5, in Plano, TX. Chad and his brother-in-law, Sam Arlia of New Jersey, had gone to Dallas on business with OFX, an audio-visual sales, service, and installation firm, and were struck by an out-of-control vehicle at a busy intersection. Both men lost their lives because of the accident. A Memorial Service for Chad is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at the First Assembly of God in Pontotoc. Visitation will be 1:00 - 2:00, and a brief service 2:00 - 2:30.

Chad began his musical ministry by traveling with musical groups while in college. Following graduation, he became the minister of Music and Youth at Mainland Assembly of God in Linwood, New Jersey. After several years there he moved to Wycoff, NJ to be minister of Music and Media, and eventually became pastor of one of their branch campuses. Several years ago he felt a call to plant a new church in Denver, Colorado, the area of his residence at time of death. His work with OFX was his primary source of income in his bi-vocational ministry as a church planter.

Chad leaves behind his parents, Larry and Renee Smith of Pontotoc, his wife Annette Smith, his children Trinity, Ella, and Levi Smith, all of Lakewood, CO; a sister Amy Smith (Dexter), two nieces Madeleine and Brighton Bambera; his wife's parents Sam and Vickie Pack of Linwood, New Jersey; and a host of loving family members, friends and acquaintances. While those who knew him feel intensely their loss in his passing, surely there's a new musician/singer/ song writer in heaven's choir!