Butch Smart

January 23, 1944 - May 22, 2013

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Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 |

service

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 |

Friday 5/24

Brian Lee “Butch” Smart Kilpatrick Funeral Home Ruston, LA Brian Lee ” Butch” Smart, passed away May 22, 2013 in Ruston, Louisiana, after a 12 year battle with cancer. He and his family were residents of Highlands, North Carolina for the past 17 years, but it was his desire to come home to Ruston in the end. He was born January 23, 1944, in Yazoo City, MS. He was a Basketball Coach, teacher, mentor and example to the many young men who came through his programs. His coaching career started in Bastrop, Louisiana then took him to Dubach High, Cedar Creek of Ruston, Quitman High, and East Ascension in Gonzales, Louisiana and finalized in Highlands, North Carolina. His total career wins reached 709 games. For Butch, it wasn't just about winning. It was about the example he set and the many young men and women he mentored and influenced. Butch is survived by his wife of 37 years, Judy of Highlands, North Carolina and Ruston, Louisiana; his daughter Stephanie, the sunshine of his life, a student at Louisiana Tech University; Sister, Jane Pipes George of Ruston; 2 nephews, James Pipes Monica; Jeff Pipes Ann both of Ruston; 1 niece, Janis Smith Adam of Arlington, TX; Stepfather, Vester Neal of San Antonio, TX; half-brother, Russell Neal of Houston, TX, Great nieces and nephews, Shawn and Amanda Pipes; Taylor and Katelyn Pipes; Emma and Jake Smith. He is predeceased by his parents, Lee and Maude Smart and Helen Smart Neal. Butch was a faithful member of the Methodist church and served on various committees where he attended. He was a member of the Louisiana, North Carolina and National Association of Basketball Coaches NABC. He served a stint on Officiating Advisory Committee for the National Federation of High Schools and the NABC. He was awarded the Brave Heart Award in 2004 by the North Carolina Athletic Association, served one term as President of the Smoky Mountain Athletic Conference and served on their Rules Committee. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 24, 2013 at 1 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston with visitation from 10 am to funeral time at the Church. Services will be conducted by Brian Mercer of Ruston and Paul Christy of Highlands, North Carolina. Pallbearers are: Scott Jolly, Stan Williamson, Noel Buras, Ryan Potts, Mark Price and Bruce Chaffin. Honorary Pallbearers will be Barry Canterbury, Greg Haddox, Jack Thigpen, Jim Pruett, Keith Prince, Donnie Barmore and all of his former players. Eulogies will be delivered by Jade Washmon and Brett Lamb. Burial will be at Pines Memorial Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in Highlands, NC at a later date. Memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society, Relay for Life of Highlands Attn: Mike Murphy Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 | Map

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 | Map

Friday 5/24

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I am so sorry to hear this news. To think he's been gone 4 yrs and I didn't know. Coach was a great influence on my life. I was going through some hard times in 79 and Coach was like a dad to me as much as as a coach. I know I drove him crazy and later in 82 I know I again made him crazy. I wish so much I would have gotten back in touch with him to say,"Coach, I turned out ok!" I want to tell him that I always bragged about him throughout my life as a great coach and a great man. I never told him that it took many years but his influence did stay with me and help make me a better person later. God Bless Judy and his daughter. Thank you Coach.

We were at a car show this weekend and we saw a convertible like the one Coach Smart had at Bastrop High the first year he and maybe the last year coached. He was my home room teacher and always was a caring and just a all round good guy. So patient and laid back with all of us seniors ready for the big old world out there. Just never knew what happened to him. Sounds like he got the love and respect in life he deserved. I glad I knew him.

Judy, just read about Butch, I am so very sorry. Mildred

Mrs.Judy and Stephanie, I was so sorry to hear about Coach Smart. My prayers are with both of you at this time. Coach Smart was a great influence to myself while I was at Cedar Creek . He will be missed by many.

I was so sorry to hear about Coach Smart. He coached my son David at Cedar Creek. He was well respected by David, as well as the other players. The fond memories of Coach Smart at Cedar Creek will always to remembered.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Judy, I'm truly sorry for your loss. Coach taught us character, class, teamwork and the tough lessons that young men need to learn. Coach truly cared about everyone, not just his players. I was in my driveway the other day playing a game of B-Ball with my boys and I found myself saying the same things that I learned from Coach Smart to them..he will be missed, but his lessons of basketball and life continue through the people he has touched. My familiy's prayers go out to your family in this difficult time. Coach will be missed but not forgotten.

Jane, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Buster and Jean Norris Page Summerfield, class of 1963

My prayers to Stephanie and Judy. Thank you coach for being such a great coach and person. I will always have fond memories of Cedar Creek basketball. I am coaching today because of you and I still teach your lessons to many young kids today.

My family and I knew Butch and Judy at Cedar Creek. My prayers are with his family at this time. I am so sorry for your lose and I know that God can bring you through time like this.Larna Annison

Judy, I respected Coach Smart more than any coach that I worked with. Love, Paul Walsworth

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.