William Earl Smith, 79, died Oct. 1, 2021, at home surrounded by his family after a valiant fight with Alzheimer’s. Funeral service were held at Grace Fellowship Church, 1971 S. Main St., Greensboro, GA 30642, at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 4. Graveside service was held at 3 p.m. at Davisboro City Cemetery on Oct. 4. Rev. Jimmy Long officiated. Pallbearers were Clay Harrison, Ben Smith, Jeremy Law, Scott Hood, Kevin Pike, Bill Stracke, Randy Harrison and Nathan Toburen.
Earl was born in Sandersville and raised in Davisboro, where his strong work ethic began. From packing peaches and picking cotton to delivering newspapers before school, Earl realized at an early age the value of working hard no matter the task. After attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, he went on to attend the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry, graduating with a B.S. in forestry. His career in forestry proved fruitful in many aspects. He retired as senior vice president of Gilman Paper Company and served as president of the Georgia Forestry Association, where he received the prestigious “Wise Owl” award, and president of the Florida Forestry Association. He also served as a board member on numerous state and national forestry organizations. Aside from the numerous organizations he was involved with, his biggest achievement included his devoted family and the multitude of dear friends and acquaintances he developed through the years.
Known as “Mr. Earl” by most, he cheerfully greeted people with a hug and kiss on the forehead or a strong handshake. He was a faithful servant at First Baptist Church St. Marys and Grace Fellowship Church Greensboro. He never met a stranger and his ability to connect with people was uncanny. He demonstrated the spirit of hospitality frequently, gave generously, and offered kindness to all. His greatest love was for the Lord. Never missing an opportunity to witness, he eagerly shared what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
He leaves his loving wife of 54 years, Caroline C. Smith; daughters, Joane S. Hood (Scott) of Dacula, Jennifer S. Pike (Kevin) of Grovetown; grandchildren, Nathan Toburen of Dacula, Clara Rooks (Logan) of Bethlehem, Maggie Toburen of Athens, Caroline Pike of Grovetown, Carsyn Pike of Grovetown; and sister, Gloria S. Harrison (Randy) of Canton. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Walter Smith and Maude Downs Smith; and brothers, Paul Walton Smith and James Benjamin Smith.
A visitation was held at Grace Fellowship Church, Greensboro 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com