Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith passed away last week, and his funeral service will be tomorrow at Southland Christian Church, the congregation that he loved so dearly and served so faithfully for so many years.

Wayne was known for his wit and humor, but also for his compassion. He was quick with a joke, but just as quick to shed a tear for someone who was hurting. He is famous for showing up, bucket of chicken in hand, to console people who were suffering or grieving.

Smith consistently made bold stands for the truth. When asked what he would be if he weren’t a conservative, he answered, “Ashamed!”

Wayne Smith was a great encourager of preachers, and was always concerned about their well-being. He and I only crossed paths a couple of times, and he probably didn’t even know who I was, but I always thought he would be someone I could turn to if I ever needed guidance or assistance in my ministry.

For that reason I plan to be among the many who will travel to Lexington to pay respect to this giant in the ministry. As Romans 13:7 says, “Give to everyone what you owe them…if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”