Ulysses Smith

Major Ulysses Smith, U.S. Army (Retired)

March 15, 1947 – October 16, 2025

Major Ulysses Smith, U.S. Army (Retired), a proud veteran and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at his home in Athens, Georgia, on October 16, 2025, at the age of 78.

He was born on March 15, 1947, in LaGrange, Georgia, to Ulysses Smith and Martha Freeman (Davidson), and was lovingly raised by his mother and stepfather, Bonnell Freeman.

Ulysses spent his formative years in LaGrange and Columbus, Georgia. He graduated with honors from George Washington Carver High School in 1965, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the marching band. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he attended Tuskegee University, where he majored in Electrical Engineering, marched with the Golden Tigers Band, and served as an Army ROTC cadet.

In 1968, he was initiated into the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.—an honor he cherished throughout his life. A proud lifetime member, Ulysses exemplified the fraternity’s guiding principle of Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.

After graduating from Tuskegee, he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Julia Banks. He began his professional career at the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in New Jersey while also being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.

In 1971, Ulysses was called to active duty, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career with Julia by his side. His service included a variety of command and staff positions as an Engineer and Force Development Officer in Karlsruhe, Germany; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Polk, Louisiana; Seoul, South Korea; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; and Ludwigsburg, Germany. Major Smith’s decorations included multiple Army Commendation Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal, among others. His leadership, professionalism, and integrity left a lasting impact on those who served with him.

After retiring from the Army in 1991, Ulysses continued his dedication to public service as a Department of Defense Supervisory Information Technology Specialist in Kaiserslautern, Germany. His government career spanned more than four decades, culminating in his final retirement in 2014.

Outside of his professional life, Ulysses was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, cheering on the Atlanta Braves, Falcons, and Georgia Bulldogs, traveling, and playing video games with his grandchildren. Known for his generous spirit and willingness to help others, he found joy in mentoring and community involvement. A lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Psi, he remained active in the Germany Alumni Chapter and the Athens Alumni Chapter, where he guided younger brothers and championed community service initiatives.

Ulysses was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Julia Banks Smith; his mother, Martha Freeman (Davidson); and his stepfather, Bonnell Freeman.

He is survived by his three children, Anissa Mull, Darryl Smith, and Syreeta Leaks; his cousin Brenda Freeman; his son-in-law Michael L. Leaks, Jr. and eight beloved grandchildren: Mikayla Leaks, Ramiyah Leaks, Lawrence (Artie) Mull IV, Emmanuel (Mannie) Leaks, Eden Leaks, Edvin Leaks, Charles Mull, and Xalev Leaks, along with many cherished friends and fraternity brothers.

Celebration of Life Services

Visitation: Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Lord & Stephens Funeral Home (West), Watkinsville, Georgia

Kappa Alpha Psi Memorial Ceremony (Private): Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM Lord & Stephens Funeral Home (West), Watkinsville, Georgia

Military Honors and Burial: Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM Green Acres Cemetery, Columbus, Georgia

Funeral Reception: Immediately following the graveside service Holsey Chapel Fellowship Hall, 718 8th Street, Columbus, Georgia

Memorial Contributions

To honor Major Smith’s lifelong love of music, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to your local high school marching band or one of his favorite programs listed below:

• GW Carver High School Marching Band – Columbus, GA (Cash App - $GWCMMT)
• GW Carver High School Marching Band (Zelle or PayPal - gwcarverhighmarchingband@gmail.com)
• Villa Rica High School Band Program – Villa Rica, GA
• Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School Band Program – Athens, GA (BHL Band in description box)
• Clarke Central High School Band Program – Athens, GA

His legacy of service, love, and achievement will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.