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Century Community Mourns Passing Of Longtime Educator William ‘Edsol’ Smith
April 27, 2025
The Century community is mourning the loss of a longtime educator and community member Edsol Smith. He was 97.
William “Edsol” Smith was a graduate of Jay High School, the University of Florida and Mississippi College. He had a lifelong passion for learning — and his beloved Florida Gators.
He devoted his life to education, serving as a visiting teacher, classroom teacher, coach, and principal. Generators of Century Blackcats were shaped by his mentorship, guidance, and leadership.
His service extended beyond the classroom. Edsol was a dedicated deacon of First Baptist Church of Century, a proud member of the Century Lion’s Club, Masonic Lodge, and Kappa Delta Pi. He gave generously to causes focused on youth wellness, missionary work, and supporting those in need.
Funeral services for William “Edsol” Smith will be held at noon on Tuesday, April 29 at Jay Funeral Home Chapel, following visitation from 10 a.m. until noon. Interment will follow at Cora Baptist Cemetery on Chumuckla Highway in Jay.
For the complete obituary, services and contribution in lieu of flowers information, click here.
Comments
2 Responses to “Century Community Mourns Passing Of Longtime Educator William ‘Edsol’ Smith”
Sad to hear, he was a good human being
Sad to hear that Mr. Smith has passed away. I was a teacher for him in the late 1970’s. Mr. Smith was always a gracious principal and a joy to work for. In all my years as an educator, no one surpassed Mr. Smith as the kind of principal who gave his teachers the privilege of teaching their students without heavy handed oversight. Thank you Mr. Smith for all you gave to the Century HS community.