Artis Smith

Mr. Artis Smith was born on July 5, 1952, in Glennville, Georgia, to the late James Henry Smith and Narva Dean Hall Smith. From an early age, Artis and his brother Ronald learned the value of hard work while working on the farm with their grandfather, Tobe Hall. Those lessons stayed with him throughout his life and were reflected in everything he did. Artis was known for having his hands in many things, including pulp wooding, mechanical work, and various other trades.

To know Artis was to know his smile. It was often the first thing you noticed—warm, reassuring, and genuine. That smile let you know everything was going to be okay. He was a man of “yes.” No matter who asked or what was needed, his answer was always a confident “Yes.” Artis didn’t know how to say no, and he would willingly give his last to help someone else. Whether it was sharing his greens, sweet potatoes, or onions—don’t even think about trying to pay him. If you needed a ride, you called Artis. If your car broke down, you called Artis. No matter how he felt on any given day, he was always ready and willing to go.

Artis dearly loved his Mt. Zion Outreach Church family, where he had been a faithful member for over 20 years. He held a special love and respect for his pastor, Pastor Bobbie Adkins, and took pride in being part of the church community.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy Lee Smith and Andrew Smith; one sister, Janice Carolyn Guyton; and a nephew, Terrance Guyton.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: two brothers, Ronald (Rose) Smith of Claxton, Georgia, and Willie James Smith of Glennville, Georgia; one sister, Ava Dean Cox of Ludowici, Georgia; two nieces, Stephanie W. Bush and Shonda Smith; two nephews, Willie Lee Cox, Jr. and Donell Guyton, Jr.; a grandson he lovingly raised, Tyrez Williams; a cousin raised like a sister, Patricia Davis; a special friend, Janice Doe; along with a host of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and friends.

Artis Smith’s life was a living example of kindness, generosity, and service to others. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.