Hugh Green Smith

Hugh Green Smith was born on August 5, 1928, in Bath County, Kentucky, and died on May 5, 2020, in Ozark, Missouri, at the age of 91. His family moved from Kentucky to a farm in Miller, Missouri, when Hugh was five years old. He attended Southwest Baptist University, Ouachita Baptist University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1950 he married Kathryn Ann Greenfield. They were married for 55 years, until her death in 2006. Hugh started and/or pastored several churches in Arkansas and Missouri, and then in 1963 he and Kathryn were appointed missionaries to Singapore and Malaysia by the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. They were only allowed by the government to work there for ten years, so they subsequently served in Zambia, Guam, Fiji, and India before retiring in 1993. Hugh's primary role was that of church planter, and he planted and nurtured a number of churches in those countries. After retirement he served as an interim pastor in Missouri. Hugh married Martha Thomas after Kathryn's death. They lived in Liberty, Missouri, moving to The Baptist Home in Ozark, Missouri, about four years ago. Hugh loved his family and friends deeply, and was totally committed to serving God through personal ministry in both formal and informal settings. He touched countless people around the world, and was loved by them in return. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, Sydney Payne and Fanny (Butner) Smith; seven siblings; his wife Kathryn; and their son Scott. He is survived by daughters Beth (Cole) Cochran and Kendra (Tim) Callaway; son Dan, six grandsons and their wives; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters; and many nieces and nephews. Hugh is also survived by his wife, Martha; two stepdaughters, Edith (Frank) Pautz and Dina Risalvato; four step grandchildren; and five step great grandchildren. Arrangements are under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. A family graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 9, 2020 in Glen Ridge Cemetery, Liberty, Missouri. There will be a Celebration of Life service to be held in Miller, Missouri in the coming weeks. Memorial donations may be made to International Mission Board or to The Baptist Home, Ozark, Missouri.