Alfred Randolph Smith, Jr., 78, passed away at University Medical Center on Saturday, May 21, 2016. Visitation is Wednesday, May 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Raymond. The memorial service will be Thursday, May 26 at 2 p.m. at Raymond Methodist Church.

Randolph was born November 6, 1937, in Raymond, Mississippi. He attended Hinds High School, Hinds Junior College and Mississippi State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree. A retired member of the Mississippi National Guard, he worked for the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service in Claiborne County for 25 years. After his retirement from the Extension Service, Randolph helped his father expand Smith's Pecans, the family business, and later took over the reins as an owner and manager. He was instrumental in developing new strategies for pecan production and was considered an expert in this field. Randolph served as an ambassador for the pecan industry, as well as for agriculture in general. For the past seven years, he used his knowledge of pecan production as an integral role in the day-to-day operations of Bass Pecans.

In high school and junior college, Randolph was a track star, holding the state 220-yard dash record, which held for a number of years, along with numerous additional awards. He passed along his love of running to his two sons, who also excelled in track. As a youth, Randolph participated in Boy Scouts and earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He was involved in 4-H and FFA and later served as a 4-H Youth Agent and County Agent in Claiborne County.

Randolph served as past-president of the Mississippi Pecan Growers Association, where he also served as a board member; past-president of the Mississippi-Louisiana Pecan Growers Association; board member for the National Pecan Growers Association; board member for the Hinds County Soil and Water Conservation District; and past-president of Hinds County Farm Bureau, where he served on the board for 25 years.

Randolph had a strong work ethic, was creative, was extremely patient relative to working with children and youth, and cherished family and friends. He enjoyed working in his garden and bird watching. He was a member of Raymond Methodist Church and most recently attended Learned Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann Shuff Smith; his parents, Alfred and Sarah Smith; and his sister, Libby Smith Rushing. He is survived by his two sons, Randy Smith and David Smith (Susan); his sister, Sara Margaret Porter; grandson, Taylor Smith; his nephews, Jimmy Porter, Ed Rushing and Tom Rushing (Carla); niece, Sissy Rushing Lynn (Randy); two great-nieces; and three great-nephews.

The family is appreciative of the friendship shown to Randolph by Tina Morrarty.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 4830 McWillie Circle, Jackson, Mississippi 39206.