It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Vester Eugene Smith, lovingly known as Gene, at the age of 92. Gene left us on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Diversicare of Moss Point in his beloved hometown of Moss Point, Mississippi.

Born on January 5, 1933, Gene was a cherished son of Clarence and Emma Smith. He found true happiness in his marriage to Willie Mae Stringfellow, who he described as the love of his life. Gene proudly served as an Army veteran and enjoyed a fulfilling career with the International Paper Company. A passionate bass fisherman, he found peace and joy in nature. In his faith, he was a dedicated member of East Moss Point Baptist Church. Gene's musical talents shone as he played guitar and sang, bringing joy to those around him. His love for travel took him to breathtaking national parks and the Grand Canyon in the spring, and in the fall, he would revel in the beauty of the mountains as the leaves changed colors. He was grateful for his traveling companionship of his dear friend Evis Jordan on many of these adventures.

Gene leaves behind a legacy of love and family, having been preceded in death by his beloved wife, Willie Mae Smith; his parents, Clarence and Emma Smith; and his brothers and sisters, JV, Denson, AL, Braxton, and Woodie Woodrow Smith, and Mary Jordan and Massellee Courtney. His family remembers him fondly, along with his late son-in-law, Paul Bowman, and grandson, Jay Brent Finley.

He is survived by his loving children, Linda Carol Bowman, Minnie (Thomas) Jones, and Onie Smith, who carry his spirit in their hearts. Gene also leaves behind a wonderful family of grandchildren-Mesha (Justin) Franco, Mackenzie (Nick) Chichester, Brian Jones, Michelle (Jarrett) Bass, Candace (Thomas) Ryan, Michael Smith, Jeremy Smith, and Nicholas Smith, and Serena Tanner-and great-grandchildren: Myles and Lucas Franco, Gatlin and Harper Chichester, Gavin, Hannah, Joey, Ben, and Kaileigh Jones, Lillian Holley, J.J. Bass, T.J. Ryan, Emily Ryan, and Mathias Tucker, as well as great-great-grandchildren Knox Jones and Evelyn Jones.

We invite you to join us in honoring Gene's remarkable life. Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Holder Wells Funeral Home, located at 4007 Main Street, Moss Point, MS. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location, with a graveside service to take place at Jackson County Memorial Park Cemetery. Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated during this difficult time as we celebrate the life of a truly wonderful man.