Harold J. Smith

Rev. Harold Jackson Smith, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 1, 2023 following a period of declining health.  He was surrounded by his family who loved him so much.  Harold was preceded in death by his parents Harold J. and Dorothea Smith, sister Betty Ann Lancaster, and son-in-law Scott Darnell.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jo Ann Grier Smith.  He is also survived by his children, Janice Darnell and Jason and Alison Smith, and his grandchildren Brice Darnell, Sawyer Smith, and Sydney Smith.  Additionally, he is survived by his sister Jo Ann Hires, brother Wayne Smith, sister-in-law Maudine DeLong, and sister-in-law Verlene Grier.  A number of nieces, nephews, and close friends survive.

Harold was a 1963 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Atlanta and later he graduated from Lanier Technical School with a certificate in drafting.  He worked over 40 years in the metal extrusion industry working his way up from sweeping floors to executive management.  He spent the last 15 years of his working career with Forsyth County Government in fleet maintenance management.

Harold accepted Christ as his personal savior at a young age.  He was dedicated to the church by actively serving as a member, teacher, singer, leader, minister, and also as pastor.  He was honored to serve as the pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Dawsonville, GA for several years.  Every church he attended left a special mark on his heart, a love for the work of ministry, and a love for the people with whom he worshiped.

Although he was a quiet natured man, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He was not the life of the party, but the reader of the room.  Very thoughtful, observant, and reflective.  As a deep thinker, he always had spot on words of wisdom about most any situation.  Very mechanically and technical minded, he could build or repair most anything.

A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Mayfield Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. Mayfield is located at 8930 Old Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA
30506.  Reverend Dr. Jim Gaines, Mr. Sawyer Smith and Reverend Sylvester Ridings, will officiate the service.  A private family graveside service will follow at Sawnee Memorial Gardens and will be officiated by Reverend Troy Milford.

Visitation will be Saturday January 7, 2023 at Ingram Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.