L. Cortez Smith Jr.

July 9, 1935 - October 12, 2020

L. Cortez Smith, Jr. of Germantown Tennessee, retired Reynolds Metals Company Executive, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2020 at the age of 85. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife and childhood sweetheart, Jo Lynn Yarbrough Smith, with whom he was married to for 59 years, his mother, Evelyn Hydrick Heindselman, father, Louis Cortez Smith, Sr., brothers, Donald, Guy and David Smith. Mr. Smith was a Master Mason and 50 year member of Masonic Capitol Lodge 66 in Jackson, Mississippi. He was previously a 50 year member of Decatur-Trinity Christian Church where he served as a Deacon, Elder and held many church offices. Mr. Smith also served as Tennessee State President of the Christian Men’s Fellowship Association. At the time of his death, Mr. Smith was a member of Covenant Baptist Church in Collierville, Tennessee. Mr. Smith was also active in civil affairs having served as President , Vice President and Secretary of the Sweet Oaks Home Owners Association. In 2011, Mr. Smith along with his wife, were honored by the City of Germantown being named Neighborhood Leaders of the Year. Mr. Smith enjoyed traveling and with his wife, visiting every state in the Union plus 43 countries. Mr. Smith also enjoyed working in his manicured lawn which gave him much satisfaction. A 1953 graduate of Memphis Tech High School, Mr. Smith is survived by his children, Russell Cortez Smith, Anita Smith Clark, four grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A private funeral service was held on October 19, 2020 at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis, Tennessee. Donations in memory of L. Cortez Smith, Jr. can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital (St. Jude Memorial ID# 22132157) or to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or by visiting www.alz.org.