George B Smith

George B. Smith, 90, of Crawford, died Wednesday, October 21, 2015.
Born in Macon on March 8, 1925, he was the son of the late Mark and Pearl Smith. He grew up in LaGrange, GA and after high school, served in the U.S. Naval Air Corp during WWII. He was a tail gunner in an Avenger Torpedo Bomber aircraft flying patrols on the East Coat of the U.S. looking for German subs. After serving in the Navy, George attended UGA and graduated in 1948 with a degree in Business. George started Richmond Sanitation Service and operated it until 1982. In 1948, George married Kathryn Harling and they had four children, Brenda Hanson, George Smith Jr., Gale Cutchins and Gary Smith (deceased). George's sister Jane Johnson and her daughter, Susan J. Banks, lived with his family in Athens. Susan was George's favorite niece. In 1959, George married Virginia Abbott and became stepfather to her sons, Holley Watkins (deceased) and Robert Abbott. Holley Watkins' daughter, Tami Escoe was George's caretaker at his home in Crawford until he moved to Quiet Oaks Healthcare. George thought of Tami as his own daughter. Also, there are numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews that he loved. George loved life and touched many hearts. He was a member of the Athens Shriner's Organization and the Masonic Shannon Lodge of Comer. He was an excellent businessman and an avid Bulldog fan. In later years, you could find George in his home watching old cowboy movies on TV. He said they were easy to understand because the good guys wore white hats and the bad guys wore black hats. George also loved music, had a great voice and he loved to sing. His favorite was The Friendship Song. George wasn't much for physical activity and would be the first to tell you that he did not want to break a sweat.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 1 PM at Lord and Stephens, East with Rev. John Parker officiating. Entombment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Shriner's Organization of Athens would be appreciated.
Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com