Jack Smith

The son of Bob Yancey Smith and Sara Evelyn Cadenhead Smith, Mr. Smith was born August 13, 1928, at the family’s home on Salem Road in Troup County. He lived within a half-mile of his birthplace for the remainder of his life, except for 1951-53 when he served with the U.S. Army, during which time he was stationed in Germany where he was a tank mechanics instructor.

A 1945 graduate of Rosemont High School, Mr. Smith worked in the Troup County Shop and for Jack Davis Concrete before starting a dairy business in 1962. In 1973, he entered a partnership as co-owner of Troup Ford Tractor Company in LaGrange and by 1975 was the sole proprietor. For most of the next four decades, he simultaneously operated the tractor dealership and his beef cattle and hay farm. He greatly appreciated the friendships made at the tractor business and enjoyed helping customers solve problems with their farm equipment or hay production. He was a man of integrity with quick wit and good humor.

Mr. Smith was a longtime member of the Troup County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) and Troup County Cattleman’s Association and served many years on the Troup County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He was a loyal NASCAR fan who joined a dozen friends to attend races at Talladega and Daytona annually for at least 35 years. He was a lifelong member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in LaGrange where he served in various capacities for many years.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Sarah Elaine Ozley Smith; his parents; and a sister, Sylbra Joiner.

He is survived by three children, Terry (and Cathy) Smith, Yancey (and Jeannine) Smith and Jackie Kennedy, all of LaGrange; nine grandchildren, Jessica Smith and Alex (and Jordan) Mogck of Minneapolis, Minn., Cheyenne Smith, Bridget Smith, Whitney Smith, Lucas Smith, Ben Kennedy, Danny Kennedy and Rachel Kennedy, all of LaGrange; two great-grandchildren, Jack Mogck and Will Mogck, of Minneapolis, Minn.; a brother, Raymond (and Reba) Smith Sr., of LaGrange; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in LaGrange from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Gary Whatley at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in LaGrange on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 2 p.m., followed by burial at the Talley Cemetery on Salem Road.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 170 Pleasant Grove Church Road, LaGrange, Georgia 30241.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636