OBITUARY FOR:

James Martin Smith Jr.

Metter, Ga – James Martin Smith, Jr., died following an extended illness.

Jimmy was born in Millen, Georgia and lived there most of his life.  He worked in the family building supply business, Smith Home Center, Home Depot, and most recently at Lowe's in Statesboro until bad health caused him to retire.  For most of his life he was an active member of the Millen United Methodist Church and sang in the choir.  He was a member of Screven Lodge 248 F&AM, the Alee Shrine Temple and had been active in the Jaycees, once serving as state president.  He served as a Jenkins Co. Commissioner, and was a trained EMT.

Memorial graveside service will be 11:00 am Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Millen Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Vera of Statesboro, Ga and his children Jamie Smith, Evans, GA, Rachael S. Lanier (Clayton), Pembroke, GA and Tonia of Russia:  five grandchildren:  Haley, Makalah, and Christian Mackenzie, Evans, GA, Able Lanier, and Alec of Russia.  He is survived by two sisters and their husbands, Linda Boland (J. Kenneth) North Augusta, SC, Kay S. Ballard (Danny) St. Mary's, Ga., a sister-in-law Natosha Henderson (Zach) Statesboro, GA,  and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers are:  Members of the Jenkins Co. Class of 1965.

Memorial gifts may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607.

Arrangements by Crowe and Fields Funeral Home.