George Andrew Smith

George Andrew Smith, age 79, of Clarkesville, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 1, 2024.

Mr. Smith was born on December 12, 1944 in Vernon, Alabama to the late George Braxton and Virgie Smith Kemp.

George earned Master of Divinity and Master of Religious Education from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He had a lifelong love for learning and a passion for reading, as he constantly sought to deepen his knowledge and understanding. After completing his studies, George embarked on a journey of ministry and service. Alongside his beloved wife, Martha, he began his career as a counselor in Oklahoma, providing guidance and support to those in need. From 1971 to 1985, he faithfully pastored four churches, where he lovingly shepherded his congregations and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. George’s commitment to service extended beyond the church walls. He worked as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Gwinnett County, serving as a counselor to inmates in the county jail. His role there inspired him to join the State of Georgia, where he provided security for the Governor’s Office at the State Capitol. He then made the transition to work as a counselor at Lee Arrendale State Prison where he served for 10 years until his retirement in 2010. Above all, George will be remembered for his unwavering faith and deep love for Christ. His life reflected his desire to emulate Jesus, sharing the Savior’s love and wisdom with everyone he encountered. A devoted pastor and servant, George always strived to uplift and enrich the lives of those around him. George was also a man of varied interests. An avid baseball fan, he cherished the game he played in his youth and followed throughout his life and in his earlier years, he enjoyed the peaceful pastime of fishing with his grandparents.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Martha Smith, of Clarkesville; daughter, Tammy Renee Smith Lytle, of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Jessica Hope Lytle Vega and her spouse, Daniel Vega, of Cornelia; and Jennifer Lytle, of Virginia Beach, VA; great-grandchildren, River Vega, Brooks Vega, of Cornelia; and grandparents of River and Brooks, Jim Johnson and Tammy Vega.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the First Methodist Church of Clarkesville with Rev. Phil DeMore and Pastor Ross Wheeler officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.