Beryl Smith was born on December 6, 1954 to Velma L. Newsome and Johnnie B. Wilson in Prentiss, Mississippi. He graduated from Beaumont High School in St. Louis, Missouri. After high school he worked at a men’s clothing store and modeled. Inspired by his father, he decided to join the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he married Cleola Stevenson and became a father to Stephen and Eboni Smith. He and Cleola went on to have Tiffany (Smith) Petersen and Shamir (Smith) Allen. While raising his family, he graduated from McKendree College with a degree in Computer Science. Later he married, Tamora Cruise and had Tyler Smith. He had 5 siblings on his mother’s side. He had 7 siblings on his father’s side. He had 10 grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

He valued family and knowledge. He didn’t believe in half-siblings or adopted versus biological children…family was family to him. He was easy to get along with, quiet and patient. His laughter was contagious, and he would go through any lengths to aid family.

At the time of his death, he was semi retired living in Gulfport, Mississippi with his brother and best friend, Jerry Wilson.