Mitchell Lee Smith Jr. 1942­2001

By Dixon Cartwright

LINDALE, Texas--Mitchell Smith, 58, who wrote the essay on this page for The Journal, died tragically in an accident March 16.

Mr. Smith, owner of AAA Crane Service of Lindale, died when the crane he was operating overturned on him at a job site in nearby Tyler.

A Church of God member since 1985, Mr. Smith was a member of East Texas Fellowship, which usually meets at the Smith residence or at the home of Tim and Angie Kelley of Hawkins, Texas.

Mr. Smith and his wife, Anita, along with the Kelleys, were founders and organizers of the Footsteps of the Messiah seminars near Wagoner, Okla., and sponsors of a Feast of Tabernacles site each year near Lake Murray, Okla.

Mr. Smith was a Bible scholar with a special interest in what he called "Hebraic studies" and the "Hebrew roots" of the Scriptures.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Smith of Lindale; a son, Gary, Lindale; daughters Lisa McComb of Whitehouse, Texas; Leona Cryer of Felt, Okla.; and Gina Ellis and Cryssi Smith, both of Tyler; and two grandchildren.

Mr. Smith was a friend to many in the Churches of God and elsewhere. He is missed.