Thomas James Smith

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mr. Thomas James Smith of Athens, Georgia. Mr. Smith, 81, entered into rest Saturday, September 2, 2017.  Mr. Smith was born in Cleburne County, Alabama, to the late James Hoke and Ruth McGriff Smith.  Throughout his life, Tom was a member of Forest Heights Baptist Church and was a Mason.  Mr. Smith served his country in the U.S. Army and later retired from the U.S. Postal Service where he served as a letter carrier. During his time with the U. S. Postal Service, Tom was also instrumental in establishing the Bar Code System, aiding in the sorting of mail and was also a local and state officer with the NALC.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith is preceded by brothers, Winford Smith and Eugene Charles Smith, a grandson, Craig Lovin and his beloved wife, Linda Sheffield Smith. 
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Survivors include a son, Mark Smith and his wife, Sherri, of Athens, three daughters, Vicki Lovin and her husband, Bruce, of Greensboro, Donna Sorrells and her husband, Don, of Pendergrass, and Paula Loyd and her husband, Steve, of Darien.  Two brothers, Wallace Smith of Mt. Zion and Johnny Smith of Wedowee, Alabama.  Nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive. 
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? Visitation will be from 5:30-7:30 P.M. at Evans Funeral Home (1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson) on Monday, September 4, 2017. Funeral services will be held 11:30 A.M., Tuesday, September 5, 2017 with visitation starting at 11:00 A.M. at Forest Heights Baptist Church (1155 Oglethorpe Avenue, Athens, Georgia). Reverend Mike Purdy and Reverend Bruce Lovin will be officiating with burial to follow in the Attica Baptist Church Cemetery (4352 Lebanon Church Road, Athens). The following gentlemen will be honored as pallbearers: Cody Lovin, Zach Coker, Ryan Smith, Hunter Loyd, Trey Sorrells, Conor Smith, Hunter Sheffield and Brantley Gee. 
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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Silver Leaf Assisted Living, 705 Whitehead Road, Athens, Georgia  30606. 
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Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia. 706-367-5467. 
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Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com