Yancy Smith III was born April 18, 1924 to the late Yancy and Lessie Drayton Smith Sr. in Laurens County, South Carolina. He attended Bethlehem School and joined Bethlehem A.M.E Church in Laurens County at an early age.
As a young man he met and united in holy matrimony to Mamie Lue Ross of Greenwood, South Carolina on March 31, 1946. Their union gave birth to Mamie Helen Smith, Emma Lue Smith, James Edward Smith and raised a stepdaughter Mary E. Smith
Later in life Yancy moved to Cincinnati Ohio where he established his residence until his death. In his later years Yancy was full of laughter and wit; often saying, “I am sweeter than honey and the bees don’t know it” or “ I’m flopping but not high, jumping, and sure can’t fly”.
Yancy Smith III transitioned from earth to heaven on June 28, 2020 at the age of 96. He was a resident of CareCore at Montgomery a long-term care residential facility in Cincinnati Ohio. Obadiah Smith Jr his nephew was his caretaker until his death.
He leaves to mourn his passing one sister, Gealdine Smith of Greenwood SC; one son, Yancy Smith IV; one daughter, Mammie Helen Smith Johnson; six grandchildren, Sharon Smith-Jackson, Pamela Ray, Antwan Arnold, Heath Smith, Jocque Smith, and Keith Smith; ten great grandchildren, Tyrel Smith, Daundre Quarles, Shaniece Brown, Adaya Arnold, Miles Smith, Ashely Smith, Halle Carter, Tanesha Smith, Treasure Ray and Chavous Johnson; ten great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Yancy Smith III is laid to rest at Walnut Hills Cemetery, Cincinnati Ohio.