To view Mr. Russell "Sonny" Smith memorial folder, please click the "Program" link below:
Program

Russell "Sonny" Smith, Sr.
1945 – 2023
"Father, I Stretch My Hands to Thee, No Other Help I Know"

Russell "Sonny" Smith, Sr., the son of Jim Smith and Mable Sims, began his life on April 10, 1945, in Oakville, Georgia. He received his education in the Worth County School System as well as the countless life lessons that prepared him for his future. Known as "Sunny", he lived there with his family until he relocated to Madison, Florida, 56 years ago.

Preceding Russell in death were his loving wife of 54 years: Clandie Gervin Smith; son: Russell Smith, Jr.; parents: Jim Smith and Mable Sims; and brother: Robert Lee Trice.

During the years of his earthly life, Russell Smith, Sr. celebrated many joys, sorrows, and special occasions – accepting Christ at an early age, marriage, fatherhood, career, retirement, and grandparent. He demonstrated his faith daily by honoring the loving memory of his loved ones who quietly and unexpectedly transitioned from their labor to rest and in his interaction with others.

Following his extended career as a truck driver for Gold Kist (Pilgrim's Pride) meat processing plant, Russell settled down to enjoy his retirement. He loved his cats, dogs, other pets, as well as fishing trips or just sitting in the yard enjoying the changes in the seasons/ nature itself. He really looked forward to being the #1 Seminole football fan. Likewise, he enjoyed the good times he spent with his family. He especially enjoyed his great-granddaddy duty, his being with the little ones at play, for he was their "Mrs. Doubtfire", the best grandpa ever!

Russell had faith in knowing that the Lord had not forsaken him, but that he would meet his loved ones again one day. Therefore, on Friday, September 22, 2023, he surrendered to the Will of God and transitioned to his eternal home.

It is hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember. The legacy of Russell Smith, Sr. lives on in the hearts of his sons: Brandon Smith and Brian Smith, both of Madison, FL; daughters: Lori Smith of Perry, FL, Kimika Smith of Tallahassee, FL, Deborah Sims of Lakewood, NJ, and Victoria Smith of Madison, FL; sisters: Lenola Corker, Jeanette (W.T.) Grant, Ernestine (William) Broughto, and Brenda (John) Shaw, all of Albany, GA; brothers: Jessie Smith and Curtis Smith, both of Atlanta, GA, Gregory D. Sims of Albany, GA, and Leroy Sims, of Sylvester, GA; sister-in-law: Annie Gervin of Madison, FL; brothers-in-law: Joseph (Lewanna) Gervin of Tallahassee, FL, Herman (Leatha) Gervin and Dwight S. Gervin, all of Madison, FL; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of other loving relatives and sorrowing friends.