George Robert Smith a resident and native of DeQuincy was born Nov. 16, 1934 and passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 at the age of 87.
In his early years he served in the National Guard and Civil Defense where he earned the rank of SGT (E-5). George was a pest control operator for 50 years. He had a lot of spunk and was still crawling under houses at 78 years of age. It was said George had a key to practically every house in town and everyone was felt quite secure with it. He would go over and beyond the call of duty removing many a snake or opossum from his customers’ houses after hours.
He was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of DeQuincy where he taught Sunday School for over 30 years. George was a loyal friend to many, always willing to lend a helping hand. It can truly be said of him, he was the George Bailey (the character from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”) of DeQuincy. Following his retirement, George continued to serve the community by visiting the elderly both in their homes and at the hospital. George was a very quiet and humble man in public but had a sense of humor with his family, including belting out Hank Williams, Sr. tunes with a perfect twang if his daughters were slow getting out of bed in the mornings. He was extremely close to his family, especially his grandson, Matthew with whom he is now reunited.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Bengston Smith; daughters, Frances Seibert and husband, Richard of Sulphur, and Susan Craig and husband, Mark of Soldotna, Alaska; and grandchildren, Katie Craig and Emma Craig. He is also survived by his brother, Willard Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Hyatt Smith and Georgia Leola McDonald Smith; grandson Matthew Craig; brother, Luther Laverne Smith; and sister, Ollie Sue Smith Flowers.
The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home in DeQuincy. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at United Methodist Church of DeQuincy. Interment to follow at Perkins Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
