Pastor Emeritus Henry K. Smith

It is with immense feelings of ambivalence that we announce the ecclesiastical transition of our beloved visionary and family patriarch. We are saddened with heavy hearts, yet rejoicing that on January 13, 2021, God granted Pastor Emeritus Henry K. Smith, Jr. (82) eternal rest.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Henry K. Smith Sr. and Lizzettar Blackwell, brothers: Raymond Smith and Alvin Smith, sisters: Lillian Gillespie and Emma Ogleton, son Gerald L. Smith and daughter Christine L. Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Vernella K. Smith, children Sheila Smith Lowery, Rev. Henry K. (Trevonda) Smith III, Eric D. Smith, Carole D. Tyus (Dr. James E.), Bonita Knight, and siblings Barbara Westmoreland and William F. Smith, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Compelled by the unlimited possibilities of life, he was educated in the Davidson County Public School District. After professing a hope in Christ at Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church, he was enraptured in religious training. He served in the Mass Choir and stepped into the role of Assistant Sunday School Superintendent. It would be during this epoch period of spiritual growth that Pastor Smith would acknowledge the sacred call of the Almighty God to preach the life changing Gospel Message.

Embracing the revelation of 2 Timothy 2:15 (Study to shew thyself approved), Pastor Smith embarked upon a journey to zealously pursue his Godly assignment for equipping himself and the Body of Christ. He obtained both a B.A. and M.A. degree at Emmanuel Bible College. Continual exploration of achieving his level best in Christian service resulted in matriculation and alumni status at the American Baptist Seminary and course auditing at Vanderbilt University Seminary.

Ensuring God’s people were always recipients of an uncompromised, life changing Gospel, he further expanded his homiletical and hermeneutical skills by consummating the curriculum at the E.K. Bailey International Expository Preaching Conference certification program.
God has endowed Pastor Smith with many spiritual gifts which has afforded him numerous roles, affiliations and memberships; consisting of National Baptist Publishing Board In-House Editor and Contributor; National Baptist Convention of America Finance Committee; host of Mid-West Youth Conference; member of the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance; member of the Concerned Citizens of West Nashville; Program Facilitator for the Concerned Citizens of South Inglewood; member of the Tennessee Missionary Baptist Convention and the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America; Staff Minister of the Criminal Justice Center; Instructor with the State Sunday School and BTU Congress; Instructor with the Midwest Missionary Regional Conference, affiliations with the National Baptist Convention of America Incorporated, assistant chaplain of Metropolitan Davidson County Police Department and other honorariums and certificates from political and civic organizations.

Pastor Smith has served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, South Inglewood for seven-teen years. Prior to his pastorate at First Baptist South Inglewood, he also served as the Assistant Pastor for two years under the leadership of the late Reverend T.E. Sweeney. He has also labored as Pastor of First Baptist Church, West Nashville for eighteen years. Prior to his pastorate there, he served two years as Assistant Pastor under the late Reverend James Cook, culminating in 44 years of preaching and 39 joyful years of shepherding God’s people.

Guided by the grace and will of God, Pastor Smith’s leadership has postured First Baptist South Inglewood for a future of conducting ministry with excellence! Establishing a 21st Century expandable platform to continue the vision, assignment, and mandate God gave him for this committed body of Christ.

God granted him vision to oversee a multi-million-dollar construction project to build a new sanctuary, state of the art kitchen and fellowship hall with educational facilities, complete renovations to preserve historical legacies, in addition to expanding the Church owned property to four acres.

Pastor Smith was seasoned churchman committed to God’s work, family and ministry.

For those he loved and served, his body will lie in state at First Baptist Church South Inglewood.
1515 Ann Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37216
Mask must be worn
Tuesday (1/19/21) 12pm-6pm
Thursday (1/21/21) 10am-6pm

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations towards First Baptist South Inglewood Capital Campaign (see address above) and/or Rockland Baptist Church Outreach Ministry, 103 Rockland Heights Henderson, Tennessee 37075.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, funeral service for family will be privately held, Masks are required.
Live Streaming viewing available via FBSI website or Lewis and Wright Facebook Page.