MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Coach Larry Joe Smith and wife Tiffany served as Grand Marshalls at the recent McKenzie High School Homecoming Parade. 
Coach Smith is in his 6th year at the helm of the Lady Wildcat Golf Team for the 2026-2027 season. In his five-year stint, the Lady Wildcats have climbed from a national ranking of #117 to a career best of # 30 last season. Coach Smith is extremely excited about the future with the new Jerry Wilcoxson Golf Facility, An Indoor/Outdoor Practice Facility for year-round training with new offices, Indoor putting green, simulator, hitting bays, dressing rooms, and lounge area for our teams. The Lady Wildcats were winners of five Tournaments last year and set several school records including low round of 297 (72-73-75-77)
Smith is a long-time educator and coach with 39 years of teaching and coaching experience - two years at Desoto Academy in West Helena, Ark., and 36 years at his alma mater, McKenzie High School. During his coaching career, he was an assistant football coach, head boys' and girls' basketball coach, head baseball coach, and head softball coach. Smith was head boys and girls golf coach for 28 years, two in Arkansas and 26 at McKenzie.
Coach Smith has amassed more than 1,000 career wins as a golf coach with seven state tournament appearances with teams and multiple state tournament appearances with individuals. He has been named West Tennessee Golf Coach of the Year three times. Smith is a three-time club champion at Carroll Lake Golf Club in McKenzie.
Smith attended Bethel and was a member of the golf team under former coach Dr. Jerry Wilcoxson. He is a graduate of Murray State University and also holds a master's degree from Trevecca Nazarene University.
While Smith's degree was in education, his minor was radio and television. He has served for many years as play-by-play and public address announcer for McKenzie football.
Smith is married to Tiffany, a Bethel graduate and retired fourth grade teacher of McKenzie. They have three sons, Marshall, Kendall, and Collin, and six grandchildren.
Coach Smith commented, "We were thrilled to be a part of this special week. McKenzie has been and remains a huge part of our lives.  We want to thank all those who allowed us to be a part of this great tradition."

Photo: Jason Martin & McKenzie Banner