W. Wallace Smith, former president and prophet of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, died Friday at an Independence hospital. He was 88.
In Salt Lake City, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement: "We express our appreciation for the strong leadership which Wallace Smith gave to the Reorganized Church during the many years he served as president of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."These years marked feelings of mutual respect and love between our denominations.
"We extend our sympathy to Wallace B. Smith, family members and the entire Reorganized Church. We know that their faith will sustain them during this time of sorrow."
W. Wallace Smith was ordained the fifth president of the RLDS in October 1958 and remained in that position until he became president-emeritus in 1978. He was replaced by his son as president.
The church has about 1,000 congregations and 150,000 members.
The church said his body will lie in state in the conference chamber of the RLDS Auditorium in Independence for public viewing from noon until 9 p.m. Tuesday. The funeral will be conducted at the auditorium at 10 a.m. Wednesday.