BBBTV12 Serving Anderson, Roane, and Morgan Counties
Paul Ryland Smith, 86, of Jackson, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
He was born in Atlanta, Georgia the son of Thomas Harry Smith and Kittie Smith, and moved to Jackson, Georgia, when he was a child. He graduated from Jackson High School in Jackson, Georgia, and lived his whole life in that community. Ryland was a member of Abundant Life Assembly of God. Ryland worked for the City of Jackson Electric Company for 32-plus years as a lineman.
He loved to play the banjo, fish, garden, and cook for his family, among other things. He enjoyed supporting the St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Montana.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Juanita Smith Greer; Sandra Smith O’Neal; and Harold Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Gwendolyn Ann Smith; son, Lance Jerome Smith; daughter, Traci Dawn Nabors; sister, Brenda Smith Maddox; as well as many other cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of Patriot Hills, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Mt. Carmel Assisted Living, Hampton, Georgia for the wonderful care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Labre Indian School, 112 St Labre Way Campus Drive, Ashland, MT 59003, or Abundant Life Assembly of God, 751 Dean Patrick Rd, Locust Grove, GA 30248.
“A Chance to Love Again”
Life is a series of twists and turns, And you never know what’s round the bend.
I’ve experienced highs throughout all my years, And lows I could not comprehend.
There were times I would sit and just reminisce, Feeling grateful for all that I had,
But other times loneliness captured my soul, And my life just felt empty and sad.
I tried to keep busy, think positive thoughts, And chase all those dark clouds away.
I was good at concealing the way I was feeling, And managed to get through each day.
But then there was you-sweet, wonderful you, And my world became happy and bright.
There were reasons to smile and stories to share, And my spirit felt lifted and light.
You gave me a gift, an incredible gift, And I hope you know that it’s true,
The chance I was given to love once again, Is the gift that I treasure from you.
-Author Unknown
