James "Governor" Ree Smith

     James “Governor” Ree Smith, 61, passed away at his home on December 30, 2023, in Bailey, Mississippi.

     Gov was born to Jimmy C. and Mary Morgan (Woods) Smith in Meridian, Mississippi on March 29, 1962.  James became known as “Governor” at an early age.  When his sister, Frances, asked him why, he replied with, “Well it’s an election year and I think I should be governor.”  He started his career in the trucking industry at the young age of 20 years with Millard Transportation and later, he began hauling and operating equipment in the pipeline industry.  His love for trucking lasted until he suffered a stroke in March 2023.    

     James is survived by his loving sisters, Frances (David) Stephenson and Melinda Leager; along with his four nieces and four nephews.

     James is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ronnye Smith; and half-brother, Monty Morgan.

     Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery located off Highway 495 in Obadiah, Lauderdale County, Mississippi.

     Pallbearers for the service will be Jimmy Jenkins, Randy Baughman, Matt Jenkins, Keath Bowles, Andy Jenkins, and John Leager.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorials to be made in Gov’s honor to the Fellowship Baptist Church.

     The staff at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North are grateful for the opportunity to honor Gov and his memory.