James Christopher Smith, Jr.

On February 12, 2026 our family lost our beloved Husband, Dad, and PawPaw (Grand Daddy). James C. (Chris) Smith Jr. was born to James C. Smith and Mildred Smith who both preceded him in death, along with his sister's Pat and Diana.

He is survived by His loving and devoted Wife of 46 years, Betty Anne Smith, children, James C. Smith III and his daughter in Law Lisa, Angela Gosdin and his son in law, Dave, grandchildren: Gracie, Lucas, Elizabeth (Bessie) & Justin, Joshua & Kelcey, Amanda & Josh, Christopher & Paige, Blake, great grandchildren: Jaydon, J.J. , Emma, Jackson, Jillian, Wyatt, Mason, Coy and Brynna, sister and brothers in law: Carol & Don, Aline & Skip, Bud & Shawn, Lucreta, Bettina & Roger, his brother and sister from another Mother: Jack and Joanne Horner and their children Jimmy, Rosie and Mary Ann as well as many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends that he considered family. This is not an ordinary obituary, as My Dad was no ordinary man. Simple Man, maybe, but there was nothing ordinary about him. Chris was a Proud U.S. Navy Veteran having served in the Vietnam War Era as a Crew Helicopter Pilot. His love for aviation didn’t end there. As he left the Navy he went to work at Delta Airlines until retirement as a flight instructor. He lived his life on basic rules and on his own terms. "Life will only ever be what you make it". He made one incredible life! His favorite all time trip was his honeymoon to San Francisco with His Betty. We took many adventures and made many unforgettable memories through the years. His favorite music was the 70's. He loved a lot of genres. Favorite song was "Against the wind". He said once he met Betty, "There's no more running against the wind". Dad left us with many memories and good times. He told us, "Don't be sad. Remember the good times!" Those closest to him will have many. From "World Famous Hot Dogs" to Snow skiing in Colorado, Chris will not easily be forgotten. He left me many instructions, and one was to have a drink, play "Prop me up beside the Jukebox" and remember the good times. He did not want any service as that was sad to him and sadness was not his thing. Please, if you ever had a BLD, beer or glass of wine with him, play some music, make a toast to him, talk about the good times. Honor him that way, because that was his request. That would make him happy.

He left me with one last message. "To all Friends and Family members that I Love. Grandkids, Great Grandkids and everyone else in my Family. I Love you all and wish you health, happiness and a life of peace and forgiveness. Chris" We all Love you and Your Memory will forever live on. "THE KID"

Athens Cremaiton Services are in charge of arrangements.