Oliver "Lamar" Smith

Mr. Oliver “Lamar” Smith, 84, of Blackshear, passed away early Friday morning (5/16/2025) at Twin Oaks Convalescent Center in Alma, Georgia.

Born December 13, 1940, in Coffee County, Georgia, he was a son of the late Rev. Idas E. Smith and Eulalia Carter Smith. Lamar grew up in the Bickley Community of Ware County prior to graduating from Wacona High School in 1958. After high school, he went to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington D.C. for several years, before moving back home and attending South Georgia College. He made his career working for Seaboard Coastline Railroad (later CSX Transportation) in Waycross as a blacksmith, and after being promoted, served the majority of his time as a supervisor. After retiring with 37 years of service, Lamar continued working with the railroad as a contractor inspecting newly purchased railcars for several additional years.

He married his beloved wife, the former JoAnn Futch of Alma, on March 4, 1962, with whom he recently celebrated sixty-three years of marriage. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Blackshear and attended the Enriched Sunday School Class.

In addition to his devotion to his family, church, and his trade, Lamar was a dedicated pecan farmer and gifted gardener. A dedicated steward of God’s creation, he was most at home on his beloved Pierce County homestead. Whether it was harvesting the fruits of a successful spring garden, feeding the ducks at the pond, or fishing for specks, he most enjoyed spending time with those he loved most. Lamar was a faithful husband, dedicated father, and doting grandfather who will be missed tremendously.

Survivors include his wife JoAnn Smith of Blackshear; his daughter, Deborah Smith Cravey (husband Timmy) of Waycross; his son, Dane Smith (wife Stacie) of Blackshear; his grandchildren Ashlee Ann Golden (Bobby), Andy Cravey (Chelsea), Mary Beth Dixon (Skyler), and Madi Smith; his brother, Rayvon Smith of Waycross; and numerous other relatives.

A funeral service will take place on Monday morning (5/19/2025) at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home with Dr. Bill Young and Dr. Justin Gambrell officiating.  A family entombment will follow at Oakland Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday one hour prior to the service.

Sympathy may be expressed online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

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