William Dewey Smith, Jr., 90, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Monday, November 24, 2014, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald with the Rev. Dr. Mike Ruffin and the Rev. Farise Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mr. Smith was born August 22, 1924, in Fitzgerald, to the late William Dewey & Lucy Margaret Smith. He was a graduate of Fitzgerald High School. He served his country honorably in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. For over 30 years, Mr. Smith was co-owner and operator of Ben Hill Auto Parts. He was the longtime secretary and treasurer for the Fitzgerald Lions Club. Mr. Smith was a 68 year member of Pine Level Lodge #353 F.&A.M. He was a member and former Sunday school teacher of First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years: Ruth L. Smith of Fitzgerald; his children: William D. “Billy” Smith, III of Fitzgerald, Nedra & Steve Dickerson of Rabun Gap, and Byron & Wanda Smith of Fitzgerald; his grandchildren: Leah Dickerson, Amanda Dickerson Harrison & Ryan, Joey Dickerson, Stuart Smith & Callie, Barton Smith, and Carly Smith; and a great-granddaughter: Alayna Beckett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters: Sue Hipps and Marty A. Smith.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Blue-Gray Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1447, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.