George R. Smith

News Death Notice

SMITH, George R. 91, of Jamestown, passed away peacefully at his home September 7. Born June 12, 1920 in Ada, Ohio, to George H. and Ruth Harris Smith. George lived most of his life in Greene County. He grew up in Spring Valley, graduated from Spring Valley High School, Cedarville College, and Ohio Northern University College of Law. He was preceded in death by his son, Patrick George Smith in 1997. He is survived by his wife of 67 years. Betty (Patrick) Smith, son, Steve of Escondido, California and daughter, Pam (David) Pendry of Beavercreek, 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He served proudly in World War II as a P-38 Fighter Pilot. He flew 50 combat missions and received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1943. After returning from active duty he married Betty. He was then a fighter pilot instructor for 2 years. After the war, he returned to finish law school at Ohio Northern University. In 1947 he entered the family law firm with his father, George H., and his uncle, E. Dawson Smith. He has offices in both Jamestown and Xenia. George served as Greene County Prosecutor from 1949-1957, was a member of the Ohio and Greene County Bar Associations, and a charter member of the Jamestown Lions Club and Jamestown United Methodist Church. He was the first president of Shawnee Hills Corporation. He was treasurer of the Green County Law Library for 40 years. He practiced law for 58 years. In addition to his law career, he enjoyed many and diverse hobbies. He was a talented woodworker and and avid outdoorsman, teaching his sins to fish and hunt at early ages. He was an inventor, writer, and collector of Indian artifacts that he found on his family farm near Jamestown. He enjoyed spending time relaxing and fishing with family and friends at his cottage in Thessalon, Ontario until his health would no longer allow. Visitation will be Friday evening at Powers Funeral Home in Jamestown from 6:00 to 7:30. Funeral services will be 11AM Saturday also at Powers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice or another charity of choice in Georges memory.