George William Smith

George W. Smith, a proud member of our greatest generation and citizen of Johnson City, earned his heavenly reward on Thursday, August 7, 2008. He was 84. George is survived by his wife of 60 years. Dorothea; children Thomas G. Smith, Mary Alice Rheams, Michael Smith, G. Christopher Smith and Teresa Drone; grandchildren Alison Shields, Nora Smith, Josh Smith, Matthew Smith, Molly Smith, Mary Kaitlin Smith, Martin Drone, Timothy Drone and Caroline Drone. George served his country as a United States Marine in the South Pacific Theater of World War II, having left his Peekskill, NY home to enlist at age 17, soon after the Pearl Harbor attack. His post-war life was dedicated to raising his children in Montrose, NY, while working for the New York Central Railroad, then Colonie, NY while working for the State of New York. He was a proud recipient of a high school diploma, bet even prouder that all five of his children hold college degrees. George and Dot retired in 1984 to South Florida, where their passions were golf and grandchildren. His very last round was one of his best, as he shot 'three under age'? despite his lament over a pair of three-put greens. George was a staunch believer in the underdog, both as a fan of the New York Mets and champion of social causes. While passionate about people of all ages, George especially loved serving the youth from the Little League ball fields to his parish communities. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Marys Church, where George was a beloved member and staunch advocate for the underprivileged. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Georges name to Good Samaritan Ministries, Inc., P. O. Box 2441, Johnson City, TN 37605. George Smith was many things to the many people who will honor his memory by perpetuating his spirit while trying to live up to his example. Above all else, though, Gorge love his God, his family and his country.