Rev. Thomas R Smith

1932 - 2023

Rev. Thomas R. Smith, age 91, of Flowery Branch, GA passed away on January 15, 2023. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 54 years, Lula Mae Dockery Smith; parents, Bill and Bonnie Sutton Smith; brother, Hoyt Smith; sister-in-law, Jeanette Dockery. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Frances Richardson Smith, Buford, GA; daughters, Rita (Chris) Burdett, Cleveland, GA, Bonnie (Mitchell) Ginn, Flowery Branch, GA, Darlene Smith, Flowery Branch, GA; step-children, Stanley (Susan) Richardson, Buford, GA, Becky (Jimmy) Wallace, Buford, GA; 10 grandchildren, Thomas Michael (Betsy) Ginn, Michelle (Adam) Conable, Matthew (Kasey) Ginn, Megan (Joshua) Jackson), Brandy (Jason) Roquemore, Shanda (Andy) Schaefer, Tabitha Coker, Ashley (Roberto) Delgado, Will (Morgan) Coker, Madison Coffey; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 9 step-great-grandchildren; sister, Ruby (Ernest) Gillard, Clermont, GA; brother, Ralph (Melba) Smith, Hoschton, GA; sister-in-law, Hazel Smith Cochran, Murrayville, GA; brother-in-law, Jack Dockery, Cleveland, GA; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Rev. Smith was born on January 3, 1932 in Cleveland, GA. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. He received his education at Clermont High School. Rev. Smith was retired from General Motors Parts Division after 35 years of service. He was a Mason and a member of Flowery Branch Masonic Lodge 212 F.A.M. He also worked at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA and Glidden Paint Company and CSR Enterprise Company. Rev. Smith was a member of Christ Place Church, Oakwood, GA and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Buford, GA. He was a member of the Silvertone Choir at First Baptist Church in Buford. He was an ordained Baptist Minister and a Deacon. He pastored Macedonia Baptist Church, Gainesville, GA and Mercy Baptist, Gainesville, GA and Woods Grove Baptist, Flowery Branch, GA at one time. He also preached at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Flowery Branch, GA. He also did weekly Servvices at Buford Manor Assisted Living and Willow Wood Nursing Center. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the First Baptist Church, Buford, GA with Pastor Wayne Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens, Buford, GA with Military Honors. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023 and from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford, GA.