On July 17, 1968, Smith was nominated by President
Lyndon B. Johnson to a seat on the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi vacated by Judge
Claude Feemster Clayton. He was confirmed by the
United States Senate on July 25, 1968, and received his commission the same day. He assumed
senior status on August 16, 1978. Smith served in that capacity until his death on July 5, 1982. ==References==