Byron Gary Smith, age 72, beloved husband of Carolyn Cross Smith, of Soperton passed away at the Serenity Place in Dublin on Monday, March 19, 2018.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, March 23, 2018 in the chapel of Sammons Funeral Home with Pastor Conway Jones, officiating.

Mr. Smith will be laid to rest in Westview Cemetery, Soperton.

His family will receive friends on Thursday from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

A native of Soperton, he was one of nine children born to the late Hardy Hamilton and Lillian Crumley Smith. Gary grew up in Treutlen County and was a graduate of Treutlen County High School.

Gary loved to work and owned businesses in the Telecommunications Industry, raised thoroughbred race horses, and bought and sold real estate before returning to Soperton in 2006.

He enjoyed working on his farm equipment, singing and attending church and spending time with his family.

He was a member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Steven Warner Smith, a brother, Wilmer Smith and a sister, Elaine Allgood.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn Cross Smith, Soperton, GA, their children, Byron G. Smith Jr. (Kimberly), Jenkinsburg, GA, Sheila Smith Oliver (James), Los Angeles, CA, brothers, William Smith (Elsa), Tarrytown, GA, Wedrell Smith (Nancy), Soperton, GA, Ronald Smith, Soperton, GA, David Smith (Paula), Gun Barrel City, TX, Darrell Smith (Kathy) Athens, TX, a sister, Linda O'Conner (Roy), Jasper, GA, a brother-in-law, Harold Allgood, a sister-in-law, Jacquelyn Smith, five grandchildren, Ethan, Jack and Cameron Smith, Mia and Ariana Oliver and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Teddy Holton, Wendell Smith, Heath Smith, Rick Fowler, Ray Cross, Allen Cross, Greg Edge and Steve Warnock.

Serving as honorary escorts will be: Wendell Hamrick, Gene Hester, Reverend Lamar Little, Chet Cox, Ray Peeples and Kimball Warnock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia Baptist Children's Home and Family Ministry, 2821 Highway 19, Meansville, GA 30256