Jimmy Lynn Smith

Jimmy Lynn Smith, age 67, a lifelong resident of Cleveland, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Region One Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee, surrounded by his family.

Born on June 14, 1958, to Harold Leonard Smith, Sr., and Effie Nason Smith in Cleveland, Mississippi. Jimmy graduated from Cleveland High and went on to develop his craft at several mechanic schools, though he always said his greatest teacher was his dad. He began his career with Hannaford Ford Lincoln Mercury where he worked for nearly 25 years before branching out to open his own automotive repair shop specializing in transmission repair. Driven by the grit and determination he was known for, Jimmy’s Repair Shop, Inc. quickly earned a strong reputation and loyal customers.

Jimmy was much more than a skilled mechanic. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loyal friend. He found happiness in the simple pleasures of life: early mornings spent deer hunting in the woods, peaceful afternoons fishing on the lake, and weekends at the racetrack. A true racing enthusiast, he had a special passion for mud racing and even built and raced his own truck.

At the time of his passing, Jimmy was looking forward to retiring and relocating to Alabama to be closer to his daughter, Alex, alongside his beloved wife, Julie, and son, Spencer. He often joked about becoming a chef in retirement but was genuinely excited to slow down, spend more time with family, and enjoy the outdoors that brought him so much peace.

Jimmy’s legacy of generosity continued even after his passing, as he was a registered organ donor. His final act of kindness gave the gift of life to others.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Stan Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Julianne (Julie) Barbati Smith, his beloved life partner and unwavering companion through all things. He also leaves behind his sons, Michael Smith (Mikelle) of Brandon, Mississippi, and Spencer Smith of Cleveland, Mississippi; his daughter, Alexandria Feaster (Zach) of Opelika, Alabama; his brothers, Leslie Smith and Lennie Smith, both of Cleveland, Mississippi; and his granddaughter, Nola Harley Smith.

In honor of Jimmy’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00PM, Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Cleveland Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life Funeral service at 2:00PM in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will take place in the Smith Cemetery in Cascilla, Mississippi with Reverend Bob Hill officiating the service.

Pallbearers will be Tim Thompson, Greg Taylor, Rock Jones, Nick Holmes, Danny Melton, and Zach Feaster. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ricky Berryhill, Donny Berryhill and Wally Smith.