Henry Laster Smith, 80, of Clinton, MS, passed away on Friday, May 17,2024, at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS.  He was born June 8, 1943, in Columbus. MS, to Henry Lake Smith and Frances Smith.  He grew up in Bolton, MS, and after high school. he joined the Navy, serving for 4 years.  Laster spent most of his career in the restaurant industry, and enjoyed yard work and spending time with family and friends.  The family moved to Texas in 1979, where he opened his own restaurant, "Rodeo City Café" which was named "best chicken fried steak".  He moved back to Mississippi in 1991 to be closer to his parents and family.

Laster is survived by by his wife of almost 58 years, Betty Sue Smith; one daughter, Tanya Lankford (husband, Todd) and 2 grandsons (Caleb and Colten), all of Gunter, Texas; and brother, Kenny Smith of Hattiesburg, MS.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton, MS.  Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the funeral home before the service.