Verdell Smith was a 46 year old Memphis Police officer, who had been with he force for 18 years. He had a fiancee and three children, two daughters and one son.

Verdell was also the CEO Elite Services Resource Center, Inc which provides assistance in finding and locating programs designed to prevent recidivism of incarcerated men and women ages 18-45. The programs they help find include GED classes, job training, credit counseling, health care, and family services.

In 2015 Verdell started Face Your Future.

A Deterrence program for youth violence.

The goal of the program was to deter youths from crime by introducing to ex-cons and explaining how their criminal actions negatively affected their life.

Verdell also volunteered as an instructor at Whiteville Correctional Facility for 6 years up until his death.

Verdell achieved a business degree from LeMoyne–Owen College and a criminal justice degree from Kentucky State University

Death

On Saturday June 4, 2016 Verdell Smith was killed by Justin Welch while clearing traffic in downtown Memphis.

Smith was fatally struck by Justin Welch who was driving a stolen car while was fleeing police after going on a shooting rampage.

Memphis mayor, Jim Strickland asked every Memphis resident “to remember Officer Smith’s family in prayer and reflection today and in the coming days — and to be grateful for the dangerous, important work our men and women of MPD perform every day.” ^[1]

Memphis Police Association President Mike Williams said Smith was an excellent officer and father and that "He loved his son — always talked about him, always had him with him.” ^[1]