Memorial services for Donnie Smith, 63 of Jefferson have been scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Sunday October 24, 2021 at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home with Rev. Kern Railsback officiating.
Donnie passed away Tuesday evening October 12, 2021 in Athens.
He was born April 17, 1958 in Carthage to the late James Ralph and Yvonne Sybil Johnson Smith. Donnie loved being outdoors hunting and fishing. Donnie was a jack of all trades who could accomplish anything he set his mind to even if at the end that included a trip to get stiches or resulting in a few scars. His parents encouraged this from a young age and resulted in him learning to play the guitar and drums, and painting. He held a variety of jobs that showcased his desire to try new things. From truck driver to bar bouncer, pipeline to construction, his was very skilled and was very handy to have around. He loved to tell crazy stories and make people laugh and was always aggravating someone. He was well known in his earlier years for crazy ideas and antics that gave the adults in his life headaches, but made for great stories. He always thought flashing his crooked smile and dimples could get him out of trouble, which it so often did. Donnie was stubborn and hard headed which caused most people to shake their head in frustration. You either loved him or hated him, but you couldn’t deny he made things interesting.
He was preceded in death by his parents; James Ralph Smith and Yvonne Sybil Johnson Smith, brother; James Edwin Smith.
Survivors include his son Garrett Smith and wife Tamara of Jefferson, daughter; Kara Hair and husband Greg of Athens, grandchildren; McKenzie, Madison, Lydia and Gavin, close family friends; Daniel and Rachelle Mathis and their children D.J., Brittnie, Noah, Makayla, Garrett and Jaycee.