George Carlton “Bucky” Smith, a longtime resident of Dauphin Island, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, at the age of 81 in Mobile, Alabama. He was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi on September 10, 1945.
Bucky was a graduate of Murphy High School, received an Associate Degree in Electronics and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Business from Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tennessee. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was a Vietnam War veteran. After his time in the Air Force, he built a long and respected career in the nuclear field, working as a Field Electrical Engineer.
While Mobile, Alabama was where he was raised, Dauphin Island was where he truly found home. His porch overlooking Mobile Bay was one of his favorite places in the world, where he could watch the sun rise over the water in the morning and enjoy the sunset in the evening. He appreciated some of Dauphin Island's simple pleasures—a pork chop biscuit from the Dauphin Island Chevron, a shrimp plate from Cap’n Snapper’s, watching the seagulls, a day on the water, or a quiet evening spent watching TV – usually a Western movie or the news – with his beloved wife of 37 years, Carolyn, and his faithful canine companion, SaeTue.
Bucky loved the sense of community that makes Dauphin Island so special. In the early 1980s, he helped start the Dauphin Island Crawfish Boil, bringing friends, family, and neighbors together for good food and good times. What began as an informal gathering grew over the years into a much-loved island tradition. The event endured for many years and became a memorable part of island life, leaving behind warm memories for the many people who gathered around the tables.
As part of his career, Bucky often traveled for work, and rather than seeing the travel as simply part of the job, he and Carolyn chose to make it an adventure. They traveled together with their camper, turning work trips into opportunities to see new places, explore along the way, and make memories together. Over their marriage, those journeys became part of the story of their life together. And yet, no matter how far their travels took them, Dauphin Island remained the place they loved returning to. It was their home, their retreat, and the place where so many of their fondest memories were made.
Some of Bucky’s happiest times were on the water. He especially treasured participating in the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo each year with his son, Timothy. Those fishing trips and rodeo days were about much more than catching fish—they were about spending quality time together and creating a lasting love for the Gulf that could be passed down through future generations.
One of Bucky’s greatest joys was watching his grandchildren grow. Granddad, as he was known to them, took tremendous pride in their many athletic and academic achievements. Whether it was a game, a competition, a good grade, or simply watching them become the people they were meant to be, he was always proud and never hesitated to tell others about their accomplishments.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Carolyn Smith; his daughter, Rhonda Braz da Silva (Nivaldo); his sons, Timothy Smith (Miranda), Christopher Souther (Megan), and Robert Souther (Heidi); and his grandchildren, Patrick Braz da Silva; Fisher Smith; and Ethan, Aidan, and Marissa Souther. He is also survived by his siblings, Wicky Smith, Bill Smith, Alvin Smith (Cathy), Cathy Weber (Dudley), Rhonda Baker (Jerald), Aaron Smith, and David Hart; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ken and Marilyn Cole; and many dear nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Carlton Jerome Smith and Mrs. Flora Gertrude Smith; his aunt and uncle, Mr. Ivan Hart, Sr. and Mrs. Ernestine Hart; his siblings, Mike Smith, Johnny Williams, Milton Williams, Linda Randall, and Ivan “Harty” Hart, Jr.; and his cherished companion, SaeTue, who seldom left his side.
Graveside services and interment will be held in Biloxi National Cemetery on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
