Floyd Porter Smith worked tirelessly to get the vote out

By Alice Thomas-Tisdale

JA Publisher Emerita 

Central Mississippi community organizers are mourning the passing of “Mr. GOTV,” Floyd Porter Smith. The Brandon, MS resident transitioned October 30, 2026. He was 79. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, 1 p.m., Mount Nebo Baptist Church, 1245 Tunica Street, Jackson, MS.

Smith was born July 22, 1947, to A. P. Smith and Ola Fortenberry Smith in New Hebron, MS. He earned the title of  Special Project Coordinator for Hinds County due to his effectiveness in educating voters about formidable candidates and ballot initiatives beneficial to community development. 

“Floyd Smith was much more than a sign man. He once told me that he hated being called that,” said State Senator Kamesha Mumford. “I thought of him as The Great Connector. He loved our community and its people, and he knew the families, the issues, and the needs. People trusted him. When Floyd backed a candidate, people knew he believed his candidate would do the most good. That trust was earned, which is why he was so effective in getting signs in yards. Hinds County has lost a giant and a jewel, and he can be most honored by our continued civic engagement and participation.”

That same sentiment registered with numerous elected officials. “Floyd Smith understood democracy works best when people know an election is coming and know their voice matters,” commented Hinds County Judge Yemi Kings.  “Every sign he placed and every door he knocked on was an invitation to participate. Our community is more engaged because of his work, and he will be deeply missed.”

Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes also credits Smith with educating voters on public policy issues. “If it wasn’t for Floyd, a lot of people wouldn’t have gone to the polls to vote,” he said.

Human rights activist Kathy Sykes, executive director of the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance, added: “Floyd Smith was a proud Lanier High graduate. He was an overachiever when it came to signs. Rest on my friend.”