Funeral services for John Homer “J.H.” Smith, 81, of Demorest, were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, at Fairfield Baptist Church with the Rev. Keith Allison and the Rev. Shane Jenkins officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with the Rev. Guy Lee officiating and full military honors provided by the Grant Reeves VFW Post No. 7720, American Legion Post No. 84, Rabun County DAV Chapter No. 15 and the Georgia National Guard.

Mr. Smith died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Born Sept. 5, 1931, in White County, he was a son of the late Paul and Annie Rose Warwick Smith. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Charles Steve Smith; sisters, Pauline Wade and Fannie London; and a great-grandson, James Ronald Corn III.

Mr. Smith was a member of Fairfield Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. He was a retired master barber, having worked more than 50 years in the Habersham County and surrounding areas. He was also a farmer who enjoyed raising mules and coon hunting.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Mildred Gudger Smith of Demorest; sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Beverly Smith of Demorest, Doug and Debbie Smith of Mt. Airy and Brady and Mary Smith of Demorest; daughter, Sheila Jones of Demorest; daughter and son-in-law, Sherrie and Jeff Colbert of Demorest; brothers, Ray Smith and Henry B. Smith, both of Demorest; sister, Pearl Banks of Demorest; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements.

The Northeast Georgian

January 2, 2013