Mr. Walter Ralph “Buddy” Smith, age 65, of Griffin, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 9, 2018 surrounded by his devoted family.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Smith was born on September 29, 1952 the son of the late Ralph Clinton and Claudine Eunetta Smith. He was a devoted father and grandfather and a member of the McDonough Road Baptist Church. Buddy proudly served in the United States Army from 1976-1978. He was an avid GA Bulldawg fan, loved the Atlanta Falcons, Nascar, Braves Baseball and enjoyed watching the “Rifleman” every afternoon. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Gerald Gary. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Smith was employed with Coca Cola.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Jennifer Smith. His granddaughter, Kimberly Smith. His sisters, Gayle Gary and Gloria (Archie) Barnhill. His beloved nieces and nephews, Mary and (Gary) Housholder, Cullie (Steve) Heinisch, Michael (Donna) Gary, Lisa Gary, Georgia (Randy) Williams, Sherry (Robbie) Jordan, Maria (Carl) Pollick, Sonya Barnhill. A number of great nieces and nephews along with cousins and friends also survive.

Funeral services for Buddy will be conducted on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Mowell Funeral Home, Fayetteville, with John Christopher and Vic Summey officiating. Burial with military honors will conclude at Holly Hills Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

The following gentlemen will serve as active pallbearers; Steve Heinisch, Michael Gary, Robert Naramore, Trae Whiten, Benny Morgan, and Doug Gray.

Flowers will be appreciated or those desiring may make contributions to the American Heart Association or to the Southern Grace Hospice.