William 'Jack' Jackson Smith's Obituary
After an acute illness and a full life, W. J. “Jack” Smith III, of Perry went to be with his Savior on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Jack was born to Anne and W. J. Smith, Jr. on May 1, 1948, in Bristol, Tennessee. In 1959, Jack’s family moved their dairy operation to Houston County, Georgia. Jack worked on the family farm from an early age where he cultivated his love of farming that led to him pursuing a B.S. in Ag Economics from the University of Georgia. There he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. During his last year of college, he became engaged to the love of his life, Toni Paul Smith. Shortly after being married, Jack and Toni returned to Perry where Jack began a career in banking. Throughout his professional carrier Jack was also a farmer, developer, and a site & utility contractor. Jack was a long time member of Perry Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, elder, and on many other committees. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for The Westfield Schools where he served as Chairman of the Board. He was also a former member of the Perry Rotary Club. Jack was dedicated to his work, but always managed to find time to hunt, fish, and play golf. Throughout his entire life he cherished his breakfast conversations with many close friends.Later in life he transitioned from Jack to “Digger” where he pursued the greatest joy of his life being the number one fan of his seven grandchildren. From multiple ballgames per day to programs at school “Digger” rarely missed a one. His memory will forever be cherished by his loving wife of almost 48 years, Toni Paul Smith; children Leanne and Jarrod Brannen and Kerry and Clay Smith, both of Perry; his grandchildren, Coleman Minor Brannen, Toxland Byus Brannen, Hatcher Smith Brannen, Holden Grey Brannen, William Clayton Smith, Jr., Elinor Ray Smith, and Mary Blake Brannen; his sister and brother in law Bob and Susan Smith Kluge; brother and sister-in-law Marianne and Jimmy Paul; and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father Anne and W. J. Smith III and his sister Patricia Smith O’Neal. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, October 8th, 2018, at Perry Presbyterian Church with interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in his memory at Perry Presbyterian Church Building Fund or Playschool. 1111 South 2nd Street, Perry, Georgia 31069.Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com.Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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