Mr. Donald Ray Smith, age 69 of Thomaston, died Sunday, May 21, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. Smith was born on November 26, 1953, in Upson County, to the late Willie Thomas Smith and the late Ruby Estelle Cleveland Smith.  He worked at McKee Food Distribution-Little Debbie for 28 years, and prior to that owned Smith Country Store on Hannah's Mill Road as a meat cutter, and A.L. Williams Insurance and Investment.  Donald was an avid golfer and a member of Monroe Golf and Country Club in Monroe, GA where he was president of the board.  He graduated from Yatesville High School in 1971 and was on the basketball team.  Mr. Smith was a member of Christ Chapel Church.  He will be remembered as a loving husband and the best daddy, and granddaddy.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Ronnie and Hugh Smith, Sr.

Survivors include his wife, Verna Smith of Thomaston, daughters, Kelli (Tony) Bailey of Thomaston, Krystal Smith of Thomaston, Katie (Luke) Heinrich of Thomaston, step-daughter, Trudy Kelly of St. Simons Island, step-sons, Kevin (Kristin) Anthony of Monroe, Michael Anthony of Monroe, brothers, Hulet (Peggy) Smith Sr. of Thomaston, Kenneth Smith of Seattle, WA., eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Coggins Funeral Home. There will be a private committal service in Upson Memorial Gardens Cemetery at a later date.