James Edward "Eddie" Smith

Services for Dr. James Edward "Eddie" Smith will be held Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Thomasville First Methodist Church at 2 PM with Reverend Carrie Myers, Dr. Ed Hall, and Roy Reeves officiating. Pallbearers will be Ivey Griner, Jr., David Griner, Lynwood Griner of Camilla, Ga., and Chris Smith of Pembroke Pines, Fl. A visitation will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 6-8 PM at Allen and Allen Funeral Home's Celebration of Life Chapel. Dr. Smith passed away at his home with his family on June 14, 2023.
Dr. Smith began his medical career by serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy for two years. He served as Chief of Surgery at the Naval Hospital in Post Hueneme, California. He and his wife of 62 years, Maryline, lived in Dublin, Georgia where he was in private practice for twelve years.
In 1987, Dr. Smith and his family moved to Thomasville where he practiced until his retirement in 2010. During his medical career, he served on most boards in the hospital including Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery. After 32 years of working in the medical field, Dr. Smith retired; however, he continued to serve his community.
Dr. Smith was a graduate of Mitchell County High where he was a star scholar and athlete. In addition, he was a graduate of the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia.
He was a member of Thomasville First Methodist Church since 1988. During his membership, he served on virtually every committee and chaired many. One of his most notable accomplishments was being on the committee that oversaw the construction of a new fellowship building.
Dr. Smith served as the youth activities director of the Rotary Club of Thomasville. In addition, he was very active with the Thomas County Food Bank, which his wife founded. He was also a member of the board of directors for Lawson Neel MedBank and served as President.
Throughout his life, Dr. Smith has enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and the outdoors. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He and his wife also loved to travel and have visited all fifty states and most of the world.
Dr. Smith is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maryline Griner Smith. He was the son of the late Mr. R.E. and Mrs. Charlotte Smith of Camilla, Ga. He was born in Waycross, Georgia on July 22, 1942.
Surviving him are a sister, Rose Chambers (Bill) Gray, Ga, brothers Scott Smith (Vickie) Camilla, ga, and Ray Shockley (Martha) Greenville, Sc. His surviving children are Charlanna Cantera (Rickey) Monticello, Ga, Grant Smith (Ashley) Thomasville, Ga, and Nicole Wynn (Bryan) Thomasville, Ga. Dr. Smith has five grandchildren, Payden Edward Cantera, Monticello, Ga, Nora Grace Wynn, Thomasville, Ga, London Elaine Smith, Thomasville, Ga, Ledger Caldwell Smith, Thomasville, Ga, and Josie Caroline Wynn, Thomasville, Ga. Brothers and sisters-in-law Charles (Betty) Griner and Ivey Griner (deceased Marla) of Camilla, Ga. Sister-in-law Ava Talmadge of Dalton, Ga. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to his faithful caregivers Virginia, Brianna, Lilly, and James. Also thank you to Hospice of Southwest Georgia for all of your support. Donations may be made to Thomasville First Methodist Church (P.O. Box 975, Thomasville, GA 31799), Thomas County Food Bank (P.O. Box 2422, Thomasville, GA 31799), and Lawson Neel MedBank (PO Box 5756, Thomasville, GA 31758).