Former Jacksonville College President Dies
William Michael Smith, 74 of Terrell, Texas, passed away on April 11. He served as president of Jacksonville College from 2011 until his retirement in 2021. While serving as president, he taught Bible courses at the college and served as an adjunct professor at the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary and Southwestern Seminary. Before serving at Jacksonville College, he pastored several Southern Baptist churches in Texas and held several leadership roles in the Southern Baptist Convention.
He earned several degrees: a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity and Master of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary, and a Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy from Southern Seminary.
He was saved in 1961 at First Baptist Church in Bellville, Texas. The night before Mike was to sign to play football at Texas A&M, he knew God was calling him to the ministry. He knelt beside his bed, surrendered his life to serving God, then enrolled at Baylor University to study religion. He often said, “I don’t know if God was really calling me to preach or just saving me from becoming a Texas Aggie.”
He was a member of Lions Clubs and Rotary Clubs around Texas. In 2020, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. He was also a Volunteer Fireman and Police Chaplain.
Survivors include: his wife of over 51 years, Susan Claire Springer; two children, Martha Elaine Smith (James) Gardner and Lance Curtis (Asheley) Smith; and five grandkids.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, at First Baptist Church in Terrell, Texas. His family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. to service time. A private interment will be held at Oakland Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the International Mission Board at imb.org/generosity/give-now/?designation=most+needed#imb-give-form or Southern Baptists of Texas Convention at sbtexas.com/giving. Arrangements by Max Slayton Funerals and Cremations in Terrell, Texas (maxslaytonfunerals.com).
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