Inductees

Franklin “Brownie” Delano Smith was born and raised in Black Rock, Arkansas. On January 19, 1953, Smith married Mary Ellen Holobaugh, in Swifton, Arkansas. Smith joined the Army in February of 1954 and served two years.

After his discharge,  he went to college on the G.I. Bill and obtained his teaching degree. Smith spent most of his teaching and coaching career at Van Buren High School in Van Buren, Missouri. He was one of the first coaches to be inducted into the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame.

Through the years, Smith cultivated many friendships and associations with fellow coaches and referees. One of his favorite activities was to spend time fishing at Table Rock Lake, and sharing basketball stories at the cabin with his many friends and family. In addition to fishing on Table Rock, Smith also enjoyed fishing in the Current River. Quail hunting was another pastime. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Elks Club in Kimberling City.

Smith cared about every player. He made sure that all team members needing financial assistance had all the equipment they needed and stressed the importance of education to his students and players. He also did his best to get scholarships for his players to further their education.

Smith was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for his legacy as a coach in 1988.