 Born in Barling, Arkansas, Smith batted and threw right-handed; he stood 5 feet 10½ inches (1.8 m) tall and weighed .After Smith's playing career was curtailed by a heart ailment during the season, he became a longtime employee of the Cardinals' organization as Major League coach, minor league manager and scout.He also served as a coach for the Pirates (1965–67), Cincinnati Reds (1968–69) and Milwaukee Brewers (1976–77).