Mr. Jerry Raymond "J.R." Smith age 82 of Thomaston Ga, died Tuesday April 11, 2023, at Upson Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Smith was born on October 31, 1940, in Fulton County, to the late Ira V. Smith and the late Mary Lou Smith.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy on the USS Sirius.  He retired as a police officer and then went on to work as a security guard at Southern Crescent, and he was of the Baptist Faith.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister and several brothers.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Piper Smith of Thomaston, daughters, Julie (Scott) Pringle of Atlanta, Jennifer Smith of Atlanta, Jeri (Justin) Taylor of Atlanta, Destanie Cannon of Opelika, AL., sons, Jerry R. (Crystal) Smith Jr. of Tallahassee, FL., John Turner of Opelika, AL., sister-in-law, Pat Smith of Lithia Springs, GA., sixteen, grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and best cat friend, Snuffy Smith.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. from Crystal Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital at www.stjude.org .