THE SERVICE OF
CELEBRATION AND THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE OF
GEORGE B. SMITH, III
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2002 TWELVE O' CLOCK NOON
BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH 3646 HOGAN ROAD, SW ATLANTA, GA 30331
REVEREND DR. CARL H. MONCRIEFF, SR., OFFICIATING PASTOR
LOVE'S MEMORIES
To my loving husband George,
For as long as I can remember, you have been my everything--my best friend, my confidante, and my soul mate. Not many people in their lifetimes are blessed to have someone who completes them as you have done for me. We've helped each other through the cycles of life from joys to sorrows.
I've always told you how I admired the way you carried out your spiritual commitment to Bethlehem Baptist Church. You made my heart warm with loving thoughts as you took on the male role and responsibilities for Tony and Tramone while remaining a devoted father to Ronald and Robin. We've traveled to many graduations, weddings and vacations together. You were a great man of many roles-an endearing husband, a devoted father, a loving grandfather, affectionately known as "Papa", a caring uncle and supportive brother and so much more than words can express.
While I know it was God's will to call you home where you will be with his angels, please know that I love and miss you so very much. You were not just my husband, but my best friend. You will always be in my heart, mind and spirit. So, rest my loving husband. You were a good soldier on the battlefield, but the battle was not yours it was for Lord.
Your loving wife, Andrea
Alpha: August 20, 1942
---OBITUARY--George B. Smith, III
Omega: October 20, 2002
Sometimes it's hard to understand, "Thy will be done," when troubles come and sadness fill the day. But faith was made for times like these, and if we take God's hand with loving wisdom, he helps our heart to understand.
George Berry Smith, III celebrated birth in Monroe, Georgia on August 20, 1942 to the Late Mr. & Mrs. George Berry Smith, Jr. (Robbie). He graduated from Turner High School in 1959 and continued his education at Hampton and Clarke-Atlanta Universities.
As he and his wife shared the same love for God and His Holy Word, George joined and became an active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where he served on Usher Board #2, the Brotherhood, and the August Birth Month Club. He was a loyal, dedicated and committed employee with Delta Air Lines for over 15 years, The United States Postal Service for 25 years, and a member of Uni-Hawk, Inc. for 30 years. He was also a part-time employee at The Philips Arena where he created strong, long-lasting relationships within the arena and the Atlanta Hawks Organization. By many of his friends and co-workers he was known for constantly offering words of kindness and wisdom.
George very much enjoyed participating in any and all family functions. Whether traveling across state lines for graduations, helping his wife plan and coordinate a family cruise, or just getting together for a gqod ol' family barbeque, where he was known for his "World Renowned" barbeque ribs. And he would always jump at the chance to make a road trip with his "brother-in-law" Dennis, Jr. George Berry Smith, III leaves a loving and devoted wife Andrea Curry-Smith; his son, Ronald (Gail); daughter, Robin Smith; stepsons, Tony (Angie), Tramone; grandchildren, India, Ashley, Jordan & Kyndall; brother Aubrey (Diane); Father-in-law, Dennis Curry, Sr.; Step-mother, Bobbie Smith Chandler; devoted aunt Kate Welborn; very special cousin, Roy Smith; "Bro and Sis", Merald Knight and Gladys Knight; God-Mother, Annie Colquitt; God-daughter, Alison Holmes Johnson; seven (7) sister-in-laws; three (3) brother-in-laws; and a host of sorrowing aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
"Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child." Philippians 4:7
The Service of Celebration Reverend Dr. Carl H. Moncrieff Sr., Officiating Prelude.....................................................Medley of Negro Spirituals................................. .
Organist Bethlehem Baptist Church
Family Viewing......................................Order My Steps......................................Organist
Hymn of Praise.... .. .... .. ... ........... ....... .... . .................................................. . ...Mass Choir Bethlehem Baptist Church
Prayer............. ......................... ............ ............. ... ... . ............ .............Rev. William Pitts Bethlehem Baptist Church
Lessons from the Holy Scriptures ................................................................................... . Old Testament ...........................................Rev. Harold Davis Bethlehem Baptist Church New Testament ..................................... ..... ...Rev. Otis Pruitt Bethlehem Baptist Church
Solo................................................................................................Ms. Valarie Clark Nurse, Crawford Long Hospital
Reflections ........... .. ......................(please limit to 3 minutes) .......................................... . As A Son ................................. ........................Bobbye Smith Chandler Stepmother As A Friend............................The Honorable Judge Marvin S. Arrington Fulton Co. Superior Court Turner High Class of 1959 As A Friend........................ . ...................................Wonzie Bradley
As A Friend...........................................................Dr. Raymond Harris Club Member, Uni-Hawk, Inc.
As A Church Member. .........................................Deacon Charlie Black August Birth Month Club
As A Co-Worker.........................................................Tom Kearney Philips Arena
Words ofEncouragement. ............................................................The Honorable Hubert L. Grimes Circuit Judge, Seventh Judicial Circuit, State of Florida Brother-In-Law
Solo ...............................................................................................Donna Renfro-Law Bethlehem Baptist Church
Acknowledgements and Resolutions ........................................................Daisy Taylor Grimes Sister-In-Law
Obituary............ .......Read Silently ...... .....The Battle Is Not Yours ............... .....Tramone Curry Son
Hymn.........................................................................................................Mass Choir Bethlehem Baptist Church
Eulogy......................................................................Reverend Dr. Carl H. Moncrieff, Sr. Pastor
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Recessional................................. .The Storm Is Over Now ........................................... .
---Active Pallbearers---
Andrew Phillips
Dr. Raymond Harris
Benjamin Logan
Samuel Bacote
Carlton Bryson
Tommy Arnold
Clarence Lewis
Walter Glover
---Honorary Pallbearers---
Creswell Martin
Marion Christler
John Pearson
Wylie Kilpatrick
John Stafford
Van Smith
---Flower Attendants--Wives of Uni-Hawk, Inc. Turner High School - Class of 1959
Nakia Sims Margaret Burks
---Acknowledgements--The family of the late George B. Smith, ill wishes to thank everyone for their expressions of kindness and concern during the illness and death of their loved one. Words alone cannot express our sincere appreciation to you for going the extra mile. To the doctors, nurses and staff in the intensive care unit of Crawford Long Hospital, who provided the special care for George, we say thanks. Your prayers and concern for him and his wife, Andrea, during his final days will remain special in our hearts. It is comforting to know that you cared.
---Interment--Lincoln Cemetery 2275 Simpson Road, NW Atlanta, GA 30318
---Repast--The family will fellowship with friends and guests at Bethlehem Baptist Church
---Professional Services--Entrusted to
Gus Thornhill's Funeral Home 1315 Gus Thornhill's Drive East Point. Georgia (404) 768-2993
The Early Years
Beginning Bliss
Dad and Robin
Dad and "The Boys"
A Family Affair
A Family Affair
The Grands and "Papa"
BON VOYAGE, MY LOVE!!
MY LAST REQUEST
Please Don't Say That I Gave Up, Just Say That I Gave In Don't Say That I Lost The Battle For It Was God's War To Win
Please Don't Say How Good I Was, But That I Did My Best
Just Say I Tried To Do What Is Right To Give The Most I Could, Not Less Please Don't Give Me Wings Or Halos, That's For God To Do I Want No More Than I Deserve, No Extras, Just My Due
Please Don't Give Me Flowers Or Talk In Real Hushed Tones Don't Be Concerned About Me Now, I'm With God, I've Made It Home
Don't Talk About My illness, It's Over And It's Done, Just See To All The Family's Need, Especially The Little Ones
When You Paint A Picture Of Me, Don't Paint Me As A Saint, I've Done Some Good, I've Done Some Wrong,
So Use All Your Paint, Not Just Bright And Light Tones Use Some Gray And Dark, In Fact Don't Put Me On Canvas
Paint Me In Your Heart,
Don't Just Remember Good Times, But Remember All The Bad, For Life Is Full Of Many Things, Some Happy And Some Sad
But If You Must Do Something, Then I Have One Request Forgive Me For The Wrong I've Done And With The Love That's Left. .......... .
Thank God For My Soul Is Resting Thank God For I've Been Blessed Thank God For All Who Loved Me,
Praise God! He Loved Me Best
Author Unknown
To My Wife, Family and Friends...
SEE YA!!!!