Mr. James David 'Snuffy' Smith, Sr., age 77, of Lavonia, was called home on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 7:48pm at St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital.
Born August 17, 1940, in Franklin County, he was the son of the late R.M. Smith, Sr. and Hazel (Harrison) Smith. He graduated from Hart County High School and served one tour of duty in Korea in the US Army. He served in the army from 1958-1961. He retired from GTE Communication Systems, where he also served as the executive officer of the IBEW workers union. He also served as a lead guard for UGA during football season for many years in the 1980s. Mr. Smith was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters: Angie Smith Brooks and Vanna Smith Stovall Randall; and brothers: Roy Smith and Marian Smith. He is survived by his wife: Christine Vickery Smith; daughter and son-in-law: Brenda and Rockey Shorter; son: David Smith; brother and sister-in-law: Phillip and Deborah Smith; 6 granddaughters; and 4 great-grandchildren.
He was loved by all who knew him - best known to most by 'Snuffy' and during David's football years and Brenda's cheerleading years for his green Franklin County (FC) Lions shirt, white overalls & infamous COWBELL - many have called him a FC Legend.
The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Lavonia with Rev. John Forbes, Rev. Paul Jameson, and Dr. Charles Smith officiating. Entombment will follow in Nancy Hart Memorial Park with military honors. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Larry Brannen, Jeff Freeman, Tony Scott, Britt Smith, Glenn Stovall, Jeff Stovall, Richard Stovall, and Andrew Loftis. We will be in red & black to honor his love for the Georgia Bulldogs. Daddy shared that same passion for his FC Lions so some Kelly green would look just as nice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. At other hours the family will be at the home.
Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.