Douglas Claude Smith, Sr., age 86, won his race and received his promotion to heaven on February 18, 2025. He fought a long and difficult battle with cancer and finally has won his victory and now stands in the eternal presence of Jesus. Douglas was born at home in Pike County, Georgia on February 13, 1939 to the late Claude Sanders and Vivian (Bransford) Smith as the youngest of three children. He was born with a love of music in his heart and he leaves a rich legacy of music deposited within his children and grandchildren. He taught his family to love music and to play various instruments and to sing with a harmony that only family finds. His sons and grandson especially carry his musical gifting, with the eldest son being an accomplished musician and songwriter prior to his death in 2020; the younger son being inducted into the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame; and a grandson who teaches others to love and play music. He was proud of his family and the legacy of music that he shared.
He proudly served in the US Navy and often told stories of his participation in the Cuban Missile Crisis; however, his primary service was in the South Pacific aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard aircraft carrier and also aboard the USS Hornet prior to being honorably discharged in 1962.
Douglas was preceded in death by his mother and father, Claude Sanders and Vivian (Bransford) Smith; his brother, William Howard Smith; his sister, Dorothy Smith Graham; and his beloved son, Douglas C. Smith, Jr.
Douglas is survived by his children: Denise (Gordon) Gedda, Marilyn Smith Turner, Darlene (Keith) Meadows, Doyle (Karen) Smith and Bess (Jason) Gaus. He is survived by grandchildren: Kim (Gus) Piaggio, Ryan Cummings, Casey (Dana) Martin, Keturah Howard, Caleb Howard, Craig (Charlie) Smith, Mindy (Josh) Ogle, Amanda Hunt, Brandon (Mallory) Smith, Christopher (Jessica) McHenry, Jacob (Danielle) Meadows, Natasha McHenry, Seddalee Meadows, and Vivian Meadows. He is also survived by great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
His grandsons will carry him the final mile of his earthly journey: Ryan Cummings, Craig Smith, Brandon Smith, Hunter Piaggio, Josh Ogle and Gus Piaggio. Serving as honorary pallbearer is Douglas’ dear friend, Ronnie Sellers.
Douglas was a proud member of the South Cohutta Baptist Church in Cohutta, Georgia and his pastor, Brother Adam Warren, will be conducting the services.
You are invited to gather with friends and family to honor Douglas Smith’s life and legacy on Sunday, February 23, 2025: Visitation will be from 1-3pm with the funeral immediately following at 3pm in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home located at 10170 US Highway 19, Zebulon, Georgia 30295.
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