William Perry Smith

William Perry "Skillet Man" Smith, 81, resident of the Ripley Community , lifelong Tippah Countian and retired Oil-Dri Corporation employee, passed away peacefully Thursday morning March 15, 2018 at Resthaven Health & Rehabilitation Center in Ripley following an extended illness.
  Graveside Services for Mr. Smith will be at 11 AM Monday March 19 at Chapman Church of Christ Cemetery near Ripley with Bro. Doc Shelton officiating. Arrangements will be provided by The Ripley Funeral Home.
  Born March 25, 1936 in Ripley, Mr. Smith was the son of the late William Deward and Sammy Nola Parks Smith. He was a graduate of Ripley High School and was a U.S. Army Veteran during peacetime.
  Mr. Smith was an employee of the Oil-Dri Corporation for over 40 years before his retirement 16 years ago. He will be remembered by many as "Skillet Man" at the First Monday Trade Days where he sold cast iron items. A frequent visitor to McDonalds, Mr. Smith enjoyed fishing and sports that included NASCAR Racing with his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt.
  Survivors include two daughters, Teressa Ellzey of Laurel, MS and Lettie Hopkins (Tommy) of Blue Mountain, five grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.
  Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Mary Frances Deloach Smith and a brother, Billy Smith.
  The family request that memorials be directed to The Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention, PO Box 5196, Hattiesburg, MS 39406.

  The American Flag at The Ripley Funeral Home entrance honors Mr. Smith and all Veterans for their service to our country...GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

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