James Edward “Bud” Smith, age 71, of Mt. Airy, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024.
Born on November 18, 1952, in Demorest, he was the son of the late James Hoyt Smith and Katie Jane Beck Smith. Mr. Smith was employed for about ten years with Chicopee Mfg./Ethicon and then worked for a number of years with Habersham Metal before becoming disabled. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bingo and was a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs fan. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Franklin, and sister, Cheryl Meeks.
Survivors include wife, Doris Galloway Smith of Mt. Airy; son and daughter-in-law, Clifford Smith (Sherry) of Mt. Airy; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer Reed (Chris) of Murrayville; stepdaughters, Christy Thompson (Eric) of Cornelia, Rebecca Patterson (Chris) of Clayton, and Julie Fortenberry (David) of Young Harris; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; nephew, Billy Sellers (Tara) of Cornelia; special cousin, Phyllis Cantrell (Jack) of Mt. Airy; numerous other extended relatives and friends.
Graveside services are at 2 pm on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Welcome Home Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Phillip Yarber officiating. All friends and guests should meet at the cemetery by 1:45 pm on Sunday.
Flowers are optional, or donations may be made to Doris Smith, P.O. Box 406, Mt. Airy, Georgia 30563, to help with final expenses.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
