Melvin Raymond Smith, Sr., 70, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Doctor’s Memorial Hospital in Perry, Florida, following a long illness. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 2, 2010, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Rev. Brantley Seymour will officiate with burial to follow in Tift Memorial Gardens. Ricky Rutland, Fred Blanton, Charlie Smith, Donnie Revels, Josh Revels and Larry Walters will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 1, 2010, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Smith was born on July 2, 1939 in Coweta County and was the son of Paul Smith and Thelma Sewell Smith, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by one grandson, Michael Paul Smith. He retired from Tifton Aluminum, where he was a supervisor for 35 years. He was of the Baptist faith and his favorite pastime was sharing his hobbies (hunting and fishing) with his children and especially his grandchildren.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Joyce Carter Smith of Tifton; four sons, Jeff Smith, Michael Smith, Brian Smith and Monty Smith, all of Tifton; one step-son, Art Spears of Sumner, two brothers, Gary Smith and Tommy Smith, both of Newnan; one sister, Betty Jo Bowden of Newnan; and ten grandchildren.