Paul Daniel Harrell, 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 2, 2026. Paul was born at home in rural Rankin County on September 14, 1935, to Edward and Daisy Harrell. He graduated as salutatorian from Pisgah High School before attending Mississippi College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1959.
On September 8, 1957, Paul married the love of his life, Sarah Maurer. They shared more than 54 wonderful years of marriage before Sarah’s passing in January 2012. Paul went on to earn his Master of Religious Education degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1961, preparing for a lifetime of faithful ministry.
Paul began his vocational ministry as Minister of Education at Highland Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi, and later served in the same role at First Baptist Church in Louisville, Mississippi. In 1965, he accepted a call to serve as Associate Brotherhood Director for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board in Jackson where one of his favorite activities was directing Royal Ambassador (RA) camps throughout the state. He became Brotherhood Director in 1977, a position he held until his retirement in 2001.
During his tenure as Brotherhood Director, Paul provided visionary leadership that led to the establishment of Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief, a faith-based volunteer ministry dedicated to serving communities affected by natural disasters and other crises. Under his leadership, the ministry grew into one of the nation’s most respected disaster response organizations, recognized alongside the American Red Cross for its commitment to compassionate service. Volunteers provided mass feeding, chainsaw and debris removal, chaplaincy, and other critical assistance to those in need.
The ministry’s first major responses included the 1978 Utica tornadoes and the Easter Pearl River flood of 1979. In 1985, Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief expanded its reach internationally by responding to the devastating earthquake in Mexico City. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, volunteers also traveled to New York City to minister to first responders and those affected by the tragedy.
Following his retirement from the Brotherhood Department in 2001, Paul continued serving through the Partnership Missions/Missions Mobilization Department on a part-time basis until 2017. He established numerous partnerships between Mississippi Baptists and other states and countries to further the spread of the gospel. His dedication to the work of the Lord remained unwavering throughout his life.
Paul was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Jackson, where he served for many years as a Sunday School teacher. He was also an active leader in the Mississippi Baptist Religious Education Association, serving as president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer.
Paul’s life was marked by humble leadership, steadfast faith, and a deep commitment to serving Christ through ministry and missions. His legacy lives on in his devotion to his family, the countless lives he touched, the churches he strengthened, and the disaster relief ministry that continues to bring hope and help to people in times of greatest need. While he will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him, they rejoice in the assurance that he is now in the presence of his Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Daisy Harrell; his beloved wife, Sarah Harrell; and his brothers, Talmadge Harrell and H.T. Harrell.
He is survived by his two daughters, Paula Harrell Eaves (Dan) of Preston, Mississippi, and Maura Harrell of Bedford, Texas; his son, Lewis Harrell (Tami) of Pontotoc, Mississippi; his sister, Dottie Merchant of Oxford, Mississippi; and his brother, Charlie Harrell of Jackson, Mississippi. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Hannah Harrell Young (Nick) of Macon, Mississippi; Tommy Lee Kirkpatrick III (Jamie) of Jackson, Mississippi; Paul Daniel Harrell II (Kayla) of Benbrook, Texas; Madeleine Kirkpatrick of Brandon, Mississippi; Benn Harrell (Ellen) of Starkville, Mississippi; and Todd (Kelly) Eaves of Preston, Mississippi, as well as nine cherished great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Bro. Bobby Donald Long of Houlka, MS, a beloved Baptist minister, devoted family man, and respected community leader, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 91. Born in Bruce, Mississippi, to a loving family, Bobby dedicated his life to serving others and spreading the message of the Gospel. He graduated from Bruce High School in 1953 and continued his education by attending Clark College from 1969 to 1970 and obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from Blue Mountain College in 1972, all while beginning his own family and nurturing relationships with his loved ones.
Bro. Bobby’s commitment to ministry began in 1967 when he surrendered to his calling. He served as the pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church for over 20 years, where he shared his passion for Jesus and touched countless lives through his preaching. An avid outdoorsman, he cherished fishing and hunting, enjoyed going on cruises, and was especially proud of his experiences traveling to Israel and the Holy Land. A member of the John S. Cain Masonic Lodge #259 in Houlka, Bro. Bobby valued fellowship among his peers.
Bro. Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Tedford Long; children Debby Long of Houlka, Mark Long of Houlka, Trent (Margaret) Long of Bruce, and Donna (Chris) Clark of Houlka; sister Virginia Mitchell of Amory; and numerous grandchildren who carry on his legacy, including Corey Long, J.B. (Lauren) Long, Kaylyn (Parker) Rish, Josh (Ally) Long, Megan (Matt) Autry, Cody Clark, Kyle Clark, Justin (Mattie) Long, Stetson Long, and Miranda (Luke) Byars; as well as 8 great-grandchildren.
Bro. Bobby was preceded in death by father, Dwight Wayne Long; mother, Donie Bell Brasher Long; sister, Carolyn Kimbrell; and brothers, Harold Long, Charles Long, Larry Long, and Fred Long.
Bro. David E. Walley, age 75, of Sand Hill, passed from this life on June 14, 2026 at his residence. Bro. Mike Blair and Nathan Walley will officiate the service. Serving as pallbearers will be Billy Byrd, Gary Harlan, Jimmy James, Jack Cooley, Wayne Moss, and Tim Pope. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Butch Woodham, Don Fulmer, Gary Wade, Ronnie Walley, and Vic Dungan.
Bro. Walley was a retired minister whose life was marked by a deep love for God and a heart for serving others. Over the course of his ministry, he faithfully pastored several churches in Mississippi and Alabama, which included Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lucedale, Friendship Baptist Church in Vineland, Alabama, Union Baptist Church in Grand Bay, Alabama, and Seminary Baptist Church in Hintonville, where he offered spiritual guidance, encouragement, and comfort to all who knew him. His steadfast faith, gentle spirit, and dedication to sharing God’s love left a lasting impact on the communities he served. Though his presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many congregations he shepherded, his legacy of faith, kindness, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Marilyn Walley; and brother, Brent Walley.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Walley of Sand Hill; daughter, Brooksy Lee (Jonathan) Burgett of Mobile, AL; grandchildren, Annabelle Lee, Baylor, Amos, and Henry; sisters, Lisa Walley (Tommy) Cotten, Theresa (Billy) Byrd, and Eleanor Walley.
Dr. Dwight L. Smith passed away peacefully on the morning of April 23, 2026, at his home, surrounded by those who loved him. Survivors include his wife of over 39 years, Diane; children, Angie Smith, Bryan Smith, Bruce Smith and Allison (Mike) DeWitt. Grandchildren: Bethany Smith, Emily (Sam) Wilkerson, Walker DeWitt, Jordan Walters, Natalie DeWitt and Lindsey Smith, and great grandson, Micah Wilkerson, as well as, special family friends, Aleksey Biriukov, Inna and Maiia Biriukova. Brother, Mitchel Smith (Diane) and sister Laynea Harvill (John) and a host of nieces and nephews. Preceded by parents Virgil and Gladys Smith, first wife Geri Smith, 13 siblings, and daughter Lee Ann Clayton Walters.
Dwight served as pastor for over 60 years serving in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi, with 16 years at West Ellisville Baptist Church and nine years at First Baptist Florence, MS. Before retirement he served as Director of Missions for the Wayne County Baptist Association for nine years.
Born on December 5, 1940, he was the tenth child of Virgil and Gladys Smith, in a family that would grow to sixteen children. Together, they built not only a household, but a legacy of resilience, faith, and unwavering love.
Growing up in rural Greene County during the 1940s and 50s shaped Dwight into the man he would become. He often shared stories of those early years—of skinny-dipping in ponds, wrestling an alligator from Uncle Bill’s pond, and working tirelessly on the family farm. Among his many siblings, five brothers—Dwight, Wayburn, Kenny, Wallace, and Mitch—formed a bond that would last a lifetime. Together, they were teammates in every sense: in the cotton fields, on the football field, on the basketball court, and in life.
At a young age, Dwight made the most important decision of his life: he chose to follow Christ. That decision, simple yet profound, became the foundation of everything that followed. Years later, he would fully surrender to ministry, dedicating his life to sharing the Gospel and teaching others at home and abroad.
Dwight attended William Carey College, following his mother’s advice. There, a pivotal moment led him to change his academic path to English—an adjustment that would define his future. He became a devoted student of Scripture, a gifted teacher, and a lifelong learner. While he never sought recognition as a great preacher, those who knew him best often said, “He taught me the Bible.” While he continued to be a student and often used anthologies and a Greek bible to get to the root word, Dwight believed deeply that while life can be complex, God’s plan is simple and His love is accessible to all.
His greatest accomplishment was not measured in titles or achievements, but after attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he received a Doctorate of Ministry from Luther Rice Theological Seminary. He served twice on the Board of Trustees at William Carey for two terms, as well as, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Southeastern Baptist College. He also served on the State Board of Missions of the Florida Baptist Convention, 1975-1978; the Committee on Committees of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1987-1988, as well as serving as the President of the Mississippi Baptist Pastors Conference. He was the author of Were You There, and The Story of His Glory. He also ministered in Peru, India and Africa.
Dwight’s passion was leading others to Christ, and he considered those he guided in faith to be the true jewels in his crown.
