Tyrus "Ty" Smith

Tyrus Anthony Smith, of Grovetown, passed on Sunday February 25, 2024 peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Ty was born in Millen, Georgia to Tyrus L. Smith and Esther Eunice Griner Smith on May 12, 1943. He graduated from Waynesboro High School and Southwest Georgia Technical College. He married the love of his life, Alice Gillespie Smith, on August 29, 1970 in Camden, New York.

He worked for Georgia Power Company for thirty seven years. Prior to working for Georgia Power Company, he served in the United States Army stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Ty dedicated his life to serving others over the years. He served on numerous boards and committees throughout the years including South Columbia Elementary PTO, Martinez Evans Little League, Evans/Greenbrier Athletic Boosters and the Georgia Power Ambassadors. He, along with his wife Alice, were most recently selected as the state of Georgia “Ambassador of the Year 2023”. His favorite places to volunteer were the Kiokee Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, Shepeard Blood Bank, and Columbia County Cares Food Bank.

Ty is preceded in death by his parents, T.L. Smith and Esther Griner Smith, his in-laws, Harold J. Gillespie and Jennie Keeler Gillespie, sisters Ollie Smith Rockett, Amanda Smith Teague, Mary Ellen Smith Moore, Helen Smith Tindal, and Gail Smith Mosely, and brother Perrin Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice Gillespie Smith, daughter Allison Smith Hughes (Tre) of Charlottesville, Virginia, son Mark Gillespie Smith (Lindsay) of Appling, Georgia, beloved grandchildren Hadley Hughes, Kinslee Smith, Carter Smith, and Keeler Smith, many nieces and nephews, and his canine companion Molly.

Pallbearers will be Brothers In Law Bruce Evans of Parish, New York, Charles Meore of Brunswick, Georgia, Larry Meese of Raleigh, North Carolina, Joe Gillespie of Baldwinsville, New York, nephews Troy Smith of Waynesboro, Georgia, and Bryan Evans of Vernon, Connecticut. Honorary Pallbearers will be nephew William (Bill) Moore of Clearwater, South Carolina and dear friend Terry Reeves of Lincolnton, Georgia.

Memorials may be given to Kiokee Baptist Church Building Fund or the ALS Association.

The family of Ty Smith wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Kiokee Baptist Church Small Discipling Group, Trinity Hospice, and FCI, Family Care Incorporated for their wonderful care.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Kiokee Baptist Church, Appling, Georgia in the Fellowship Hall. The funeral service will be at Noon at Kiokee Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Hartman officiating. Burial will follow at Schucraft Cemetery in Appling. Arrangements are by Platt’s Funeral Home.