CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Play the Greg

May 12, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, MS --- In a world increasingly focused on the big picture and global positioning, it's refreshing to see a community focused on the difference that can be made among a small group of people - in the case of the Greg Smith Memorial Golf Tournament, three individuals: Janna Smith, Greg's widow, and their two young children, Emily Katherine, age 3, and Adam Gregory, 5 months old.

Mississippi RiverKings staffers were privileged to join a host of local businessmen and women in playing the tournament at North Creek Golf Course on Saturday, May 7th, as well as a stacked roster of star sponsors, including Taylor Jones Taylor Attorneys, FedEx, Southern College of Optometry, Capital Express, Inc., The Lilly Company, Southern Thunder Harley Davidson, CHF (Cedar Hills Farms) Paintball, Brock Services, Ltd., Dr. Heather M. Dowdy & Associates Optometrists, B&P Enterprises, Rebel 95.3 FM, RiverKings hockey, Seeds Incorporated of Memphis, and Aramark Uniform Services.

Other sponsors included Bally's Casino, Busy Bee Flowers, Carwash USA, Frankie Ditto & Son's Painting, Chick-Fil-A, Corky's BBQ, Jaco Bryant Printers, Ellis Photography, Folks Folly, Jarrett Magee Appraisals, Hugh Freeze, Linda Feathers, Joe Stewart's Body Shop, Maria's Catina, Memphis Redbirds, Hollingsworth Paving, Milano's Pizza, Resorts Casino, Memphis Grizzlies, S.B.E.C., Shauna Witt, Terex Utilities, and Tan-N-Go.

Gregory Scott Smith (1975-2010) was tragically killed in October of last year in a hit and run accident in Tuscaloosa, Ala. while attending an away football game for the Ole Miss Rebels.

"The loss of Greg has been challenging for many of us," best friend Jeff Dowdy wrote in an entry on the tournament website. "He was a dedicated husband, a loving father and a dear friend to many....If you never had the chance to meet him, you missed out. If you had the chance to know him, you will never forget."

Dowdy writes that Greg was a family man, having always dreamed of being a husband and eventually becoming a father. In July of 2006, Greg met his future wife Janna at a cookout with friends.

"At first sight, Greg knew he had met the love of his life," Dowdy said. "When we asked Greg what he thought about Janna, he just blushed and said, ‚¬ËœThat is the most beautiful woman I have ever met.'"

Janna and Greg were married the following year on September 29, 2007. After two years of marriage, they welcomed daughter Emily Katherine Smith. At the time of his death, Greg and Janna were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second child. Janna gave birth to their son, Adam Gregory Smith, in December 2010.

One hundred percent of the net proceeds from Saturday's tourney - close to $30,000 - have been placed in a college fund for Emily Katherine and baby Adam. Persons looking to help in next year's tournament can serve as a hole sponsor, donate a prize or put in a team; volunteer spots are limited but also welcomed.

Dowdy wasn't the only one to pay tribute to Smith's impact.

"Greg was a man of integrity, had a distinctive personality and an unforgettable smile," friend and tournament board member Trey Agner wrote in tournament literature. "Greg was one of the most gentle, kind-hearted guys that you could ever meet."

In addition to his family life, Greg had strong school ties, attending high school at S.B.E.C. where he enjoyed playing football and basketball. He was highly respected among his peers, and was voted Mr. S.B.E.C. by his fellow members of the graduating class of 1993.

As a young child, Greg was introduced to Oxford, Miss., where, along with family and friends, he attended Ole Miss football games for over 25 years. Being an avid rebel fan, it was an easy choice for Greg to continue his education at Ole Miss. Greg graduated from Ole Miss in 1998 and ventured out into the business world, rising to an Operations Manager for Nissan.

"It's just been overwhelming, the support we've received," Dowdy said. "I just want to thank every player, every sponsor, every in-kind donor. This will really make a difference in the lives of these children. It helps with the grief, and it gives an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember what an impact he had, and what a great guy he was."

For more information, email playthegreg@yahoo.com or visit www.playthegreg.com .

Season tickets for the 20th Anniversary Season of Mississippi RiverKings hockey are now on sale. For more information, call 662-342-1755 or go online to www.riverkings.com today!



Central Hockey League Stories from May 12, 2011


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