Orie D. Smith

Orie D. Smith, age 81 of Bogart, GA passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024. Orie was born in McRae, Georgia to Carlos D. and Amanda Pope Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sue Smith; and brothers Willie Lee Varnadoe (Irene), Morris Smith (Omie), and Ed Smith (surviving wife, Wanda). He is survived by his loving sons, Stephen Smith (Kimberly), of Canton, GA and Michael Smith (Laura) of Bogart, GA; his adoring grandchildren Ethan, Regan, Bryson, Parker and Gavin Smith; sisters Justine Allen; Carlene Smith; brother; JR Smith (Mary Beth) and numerous nieces and nephews from a very close family. 

Following High School, he went to work for General Motors. On military leave from GM, he entered the US Army in 1965 and was stationed at Fort Hood, TX where he honorably served during the Vietnam War.  He retired from the US Army in 1969 as a Specialist Four, returning to his native Georgia after his honorable service.  He settled in Snellville, GA where he married the mother of his children, Dorothy (Posey) Smith and worked for General Motors until he retired. He received his Bachelors of Business Administration from Georgia State University in 1975.  He later moved back to South Georgia where he settled in Jacksonville, GA with his wife, Glenda “Sue” Smith.  They would later move to Carrollton, GA near his step sons, Brian McWhorter and Johnny McWhorter, their children and grandchildren and her extended family.  Most recently Orie moved to Bogart, GA near his adoring family.

Orie was a devoted member to the Lumber City American Legion.  He enjoyed working in the yard with his wife and visiting with his many friends around town.  One of his passions was maintaining “The Smith House” commonly referred to as “The Old House” preserving its history and hosting many family reunions.  He worked tirelessly to ensure everyone was fed and made lasting memories.  Orie loved to dance and was well known to bust a move when he heard music.  He especially loved the Classics.  He also loved the Georgia Bulldogs and wore his red Georgia Bulldogs cap daily.  Orie was always smiling and many have said they have never heard him speak badly of anyone.  He was a gentle, soft-spoken man but when Orie spoke, everyone stopped to listen.  He was loved and looked up to, by all who were blessed to know him.  Orie was a devoted husband and loving father, step-father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle to many. He loved his family immensely and his wife, his children, and his grandchildren were his greatest joy. 

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM at Vaughn Funeral Home in McRae, GA. The Memorial Service to Honor and Celebrate the Life of Orie D. Smith will be held immediately following on March 20, 2024 at 12:30PM at Vaughn Funeral Home in McRae, GA, followed by an Internment at Telfair Memorial Gardens in McRae, GA. For those desiring to make donations in lieu of flowers we ask donations be made to Orie’s passion, “The Old House Fund”. Donations may be mailed to Jack Smith, 101 Full Moon Lane, Savannah, GA 31406, or you may send a Venmo to @JenSGreen (7379); noting “Smith House Memorial Donation” to honor Orie’s memory.

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