John Marlin Smith, 71, of Murrayville died Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a period of declining health. A lifetime resident of Hall County, he was the son of the late Rev. J. Alvin and Willa Nell Smith.
Mr. Smith graduated from North Georgia College and from the University of Georgia with a Masters Degree in Education Administration. He served 41 years in education where he taught at Lanier Elementary for two years, was principal at Riverview Elementary in Lumpkin County, Principal at Lumpkin County Elementary, Superintendent, Lumpkin County Schools for 9 years, Regional Director, Georgia Department of Education, Gainesville office, Director of School Facilities and Transportation, Georgia Department of Education, Atlanta, Director, Pioneer Regional Educational Services Agency (RESA). He was a member of yellow Creek Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his daughter, Belinda Smith and in-laws Barnett and Lizzie Burress Hurley.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Smith of Murrayville, son and daughter-in-law, Rickey and Patti Smith of Gainesville; grandchildren, Storm Smith and Addyson Leming, both of Gainesville; sister, Nina Duke of Gainesville and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Yellow Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Dean Bryant and Rev. Ricky Stone will officiate. The family will receive friends at the Mason & Ward Funeral Home Friday ,April 23 and Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Interment will be in Yellow Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mason & Ward Funeral Home, 1190 McEver Rd. Gainesville, Georgia 30504 is in charge of arrangements.
