Van Patrick Smith Sr.

Van was born on August 16, 1939, in Tift County, Georgia to the late Harry Van Smith and Ruth Patrick Smith of Omega, GA. Van attended Omega Schools, graduated from Omega High School and attended Southern Tech in Atlanta, GA. He took a job at the Department of Transportation in the Tift District and later transferred to Savannah, GA for an advancement where he resided for 15 years. While living in Savannah, he became interested in golf, his all-time favorite sport. You could always find him golfing at Bacon Park on the weekends. He was a member of Solomon Masonic Lodge and Alee Temple.

After 15 years in Savannah, Van accepted a job in Atlanta as Maintenance Engineer for several counties. A subsequent move took him to Cartersville where he worked out of the Seventh District office until his retirement in 1989. His major enjoyment came from the game of golf, providing him endless hours of entertainment each week. He always said “Some of my best days were at Bacon Park in Savannah and Centennial Park in Acworth”. As his health declined, golf became more difficult for him so he embraced his next hobby, Amateur Radio. While living in Cartersville, he joined an Amateur Radio operators’ group called the “Country Uncles”. Van could be heard every night gabbing with his buddies on the radio. He enjoyed attending Hamfest and outings with the “Country Uncles.” One cannot deny that Van lived his life with a passion and enthusiasm for his hobbies, friends, and family. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Cecil Hall.

Van is survived by wife, Jackie Baker Smith of Carterville, GA; his children, Ricky Smith and wife Kim of Tifton, GA, Rusty Smith and wife Tammie of Tifton, GA, Kimberly Wagner and husband Tom of Alpharetta, GA; 6 grandchildren, Brittany Jackson and husband David, Scott Wagner, Kristin Smith, Jessica Drawdy and husband James, Katherine Smith and Ali Smith; 6 great-grandchildren; a sister, Patty Smith Hall; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon October 30th at 3:00 p.m. in the Owen Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenny Jacobs officiating.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Owen Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will include members of the Amateur Radio operators’ group the “Country Uncles” and other family members,

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to leave condolences for the family.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr., Cartersville, GA, has charge of the funeral arrangements.