John Walter Smith

John Walter Smith passed away on September 30, 2025, at the age of 81. John was born in Washington, Georgia to Edward Rudolph Smith and Ethyl Bradley Smith. John was a very unassuming man. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. As many have said, he was one of the good ones. He will be missed but never forgotten. His spirit will live on in his sons.

He graduated from Washington Wilkes Comprehensive High School. He attended the University of Georgia on a scholarship earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in forestry. John was a member of the Xi Sigma Pi National Honor Society. He attended Auburn University and received an EED in adult education.

John was a proud veteran. After ROTC, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. John served in Germany and with the 34th Engineering Battalion in Vietnam. For his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star medal. John retired from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service after a 28-year career. He was the assistant county agent in Walton and Coweta counties. He was joint-staffed with the Area Planning and Development Commission in Lagrange, Georgia. Later, he came to Athens to work with the Community and Rural Development.

After his retirement, he had a twenty-year career hauling trees for Southeastern Growers, Select Trees, and Angel Creek. His claim to fame was delivering a Southern Magnolia to New York. John grew up on a beef cattle farm and continued that on his land in Oconee County. He enjoyed being with his sons and teaching them about farming and the value of hard work. He took great pride in the fact that his sons would continue to raise cattle.

He is survived by his Honey of 48 years, Nancy Hayes Smith. His sons, Justin (Brandy) Smith, Jeremy (Diana) Smith, Jason Smith, Jordan Smith, and Michael Crowder. And most important, his granddaughter, Anagail Smith, the one he would do anything for! He was preceded by his parents, his sister, Mary Smith Crowder, and his brother, Rudy Smith.

Instead of food or flowers please donate to Flags for Vets. It was formed to honor veterans for their faithful service by installing flag poles and flags. ( flagsforvets.us )

A drop-in celebration of life will be held at Warehouse 15 Events on October 12, 2025, from 1:00 - 3:00. Some of John’s favorite foods will be served. The address is 1240 Greensboro Hwy, Suite 200A, Watkinsville, Ga.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com