Early McKinley Smith, Sr.

EARL MCKINLEY SMITH, SR.

09/27/1938 – 09/03/2024

Earl was born in Camp Hill, Alabama on September 27, 1938 to Vertrelle (Boyd) & Warren Thomas Smith. He moved from Camp Hill, Al. when he was 4 years old to Langdale, AL. At age 7 they moved to LaGrange, Ga. where he graduated from Lagrange High School in 1957. He then moved to Atlanta to finish his schooling and met his wife Rebecca Jean Brooks Smith. They married on March 29, 1958 and were married 66 years until his death.

Earl went to work at Wood’s Texaco Service Station when he was 18 years old. He served as Manager until 1980 when he incorporated and became Owner/President. Earl retired from Wood’s Texaco Station in May, 2005. During his tenure at his business, Earl was awarded Outstanding Georgia Citizen by the Secretary of State, Lewis Massey in April 1997. In June 2005, Earl was presented a Proclamation by the Atlanta City Council, on behalf of the citizens of Atlanta. This was in recognition of Wood’s Service Station being a business that made its mark on Piedmont Avenue in Midtown for 65 years. Earl will be forever remembered for the service he provided, and being an Outstanding Business owner in the Atlanta area. Earl was President/Owner for the last 25 years of the business.

Earl is survived by:

Wife, Rebecca Jean Brooks Smith of Lawrenceville, Ga.

Son, Earl M. Smith Jr (Laura) of Senoia, GA.

Daughter, Kristina Porter (Neil) of Lawrenceville, GA

Grandchildren: Kimberly Bradford, Charlie Smith, Jamie Smith

Great Grand Children: Destiny Dispain, Levi Bradford

No services are planned but a celebration of life may be announced at a later date.

Share memories of Earl at hamiltonmillchapel.com

Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924