April 15, 1937 - June 21, 2024
Willie Frank Smith Sr., age 87, of Milledgeville, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 21, 2024, to be with his Lord and Savior. Frank was born on April 15, 1937, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late Morris Smith and Myrtice Fulford Beasley. Frank married the love of his life, Martha Elizabeth Smith, on February 23, 1957, sharing 67 wonderful years together. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather.
Frank was baptized at Boiling Springs Baptist Church in Soperton, GA, and later became a beloved member of Mt. Ararat Church in Eatonton, GA. He was a member of the Sincerity Masonic Lodge #430, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and an active member of the Middle Georgia CB Radio Club.
Frank also enjoyed his time as past Commodore of the Macon Motorboat Club and was an enthusiastic participant in the 26 Bassmaster Club. He was the owner of Frank Smith Construction Company, where he applied his skills in woodwork, cabinet building, and construction to build numerous homes, offices, and retail shops in Jones County and surrounding areas. Frank also built docks, seawalls, and boathouses on Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee. Frank is remembered for his humor, generosity, creativity, and deep love for his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Smith; children, Franklin Smith, Nunnie (Paige) Smith, and Teresa (Matt) McKeever; grandchildren, Kelley Smith, Kevin (Sandy) Smith, Keith (Michelle) Torres, Erik (Darrian) Torres, Shelby (Drew) King, and Dillon Smith; and great-grandchildren, Cali, Cadence, Cayla, Carly, Brendon, Kendall, Nolan, Banks, Caroline, Cayden, Jase, and Tristan.
He is also survived by special friends Donna Dixon, Bill Newsome, Pat Willis, and Diane Stefano. Frank was predeceased by his parents and his son, Rickey “Bull” Smith.
Visitation was held at Gray Memorial Chapel and Crematory, 4378 Gray Highway, Gray, Georgia, on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service took place at the same location on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev.
Conway Jones. Interment followed at Phillips Family Cemetery 202 Hwy 298 Soperton, GA, 30457 at 4:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Paul Bridges, Delton Lord, Erik Torres, Dillon Smith, Drew King, and Donovan Walker.
The Smith family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the family and friends for their prayers and support, as well as the caregivers, doctors, nurses, and staff at Baldwin Dialysis Center, Piedmont Coliseum Hospital, and the Home Healthcare teams.
Gray Memorial Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Smith family. To register your online condolences, please visit graymemorialchapel. com.
