George E. Smith, Jr., 91, of Valdosta died on Friday, July 17, 2026, at home after a short illness. Born on May 16, 1935, in Tallahassee, Florida, he was the son of the late George Edward Smith, Sr. and Lettie Irene Leachman Smith and moved to Valdosta in his youth. He was a devoted and loving husband, daddy, granddaddy, and great-granddaddy. Over the years George worked in banking, insurance, and retired from Williams Institutional Foods in Douglas, Georgia, after 27 years. He was a graduate of Valdosta High School and the School of Banking of the South at LSU.

George entered the U.S. Army as a radio operator. After his return to Valdosta, he was involved in his community, serving as Exchange Club president (1974-75), VHS Touchdown Club president (1972), MAFB Red Carpet Committee chairman (1977-78) and was recognized by the Valdosta Jaycees for Distinguished Service. He was an elder at West End Presbyterian Church for many years until its dissolution and was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Valdosta. George enjoyed crafting birdhouses and barbecuing for friends and family.

He met Ruth Hightower while she was waiting for the bus on the corner of Patterson Street and Hill Avenue in 1956. They married in 1959 and enjoyed a lifetime together.

George is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth Hightower Smith; his daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Al Rowell of Valdosta; his son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Pam Smith of Lake Park; former daughter-in-law, Amy Smith of Hahira; grandchildren, Alison (Joe) Hamel of Valdosta, Alex (Grace) Rowell, Washington, D.C., Emily (Dakota) Rowell, Hahira, and Tyler (Alexa) Smith, Darien, Georgia; great-grandchildren, Zoey Hamel and Lenora Rowell, sister-in-law Mary Frances Hightower, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers Bill Reddick and Robert Reddick and by sisters Edith Smith, Virginia Blanton, and Betty Dilkes.

George also leaves behind his cat, Snowball, who was a constant companion and comfort.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care by the nurses and staff of Hospice of South Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Break Bread Together, a ministry of First Presbyterian Church, Valdosta https://www.firstpresvaldosta.org/index.php/ministries/ .

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday, July 23, 2026 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10-11am. Burial will follow at Hightower Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home