Mr. John Wesley Smith, Sr. : Obituary

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces Memorial Services for Mr. John Wesley Smith, Sr., age 83 of Blairsville, GA (formerly of Atlanta) who passed away peacefully on June 13, 2017 at his dream home.

John was born on December 4, 1933 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Theron & Ruth (Lindsey) Smith. As a young man, he was active in the Boy Scouts where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. John was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Austria. After military service, he became a lineman for Bell South and worked there for 41 years until his retirement in 1991. John was known for his great sense of humor. One of his favorite jokes was that he was going to be a great boxer, but he had to quit because of his hands… the referee kept stepping on them! He was active in all sports during his lifetime. During his retirement years, John traveled extensively across the USA and destinations overseas. He enjoyed being a part of the Jaycees organization, as well as, the Bell South Pioneers. John was a member of First Baptist Church, and formerly served as a Deacon at 5th Avenue Baptist Church in Atlanta.

John will be warmly remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: loving wife of over 25 years, Patricia Bisnett Smith of Blairsville; his former wife Dickie C. Smith; son, John Wesley Smith, Jr. of Helen; daughter & son-in-law, Valerie & Acy Estes of Lawrenceville; daughter, Vandi Smith Vabeach; and grandchildren, Nikki & Justin Smith, A.J. & Jillian Estes, and Megan & Mallory Hollifield. John was a loving step-father to Greg Bisnett and Michelle Kendrick. Also, sharing in his legacy are 5 step-grandchildren and 7 step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Theron, Jr.; sister, Ruthie; step-sons, Jeff and Donald Bisnett.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Unity Church of Blairsville.

Because of his love for all animals (except cats), the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Mountain Shelter, 129 Bowling Gap Circle, Blairsville, GA 30512.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.