Matthew Smithwick

Mr. Matthew Smithwick, 24, passed away Friday, Aug. 1, 2008, at his residence. Mr. Smithwick was born Dec. 29, 1983, in Lowndes County. He was a 2002 graduate of Clinch County High School, where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America. He participated in and won several FFA competitions in surrounding counties. Matthew attended Georgia Military College and was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, nature study as well as reading. He was an accomplished writer of short stories, poetry, and was writing a science fiction novel.He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Lee Smithwick; his maternal grandfather, Matthew D. (M.D.) Stalvey, Jr.; his paternal grandparents, Samuel and Ruby Waters Smithwick; his step-grandfather, A. G. (Guy) Nelson,Survivors are his mother, Donna Stalvey Smithwick, Homerville; one brother, Justin Devoy Smithwick, Valdosta; maternal grandmother, Margaret Register Stalvey, Homerville; two great-aunts, Clariece Register Seymore, Jacksonville, Fla., and Willora (Gloria) Stalvey Guthrie, Dahlonega, Ga.; his beloved dog and best friend Ginger (a Siberian husky); several other relatives; his very best friends, Patrick, Jose, Antonio, and Jare, of New Century Firearms, Valdosta; Perry and Tracy McKinney, owners of The Snake Pit, Valdosta; and other friends.Graveside services were held Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. in the Pine Forest Cemetery, Homerville. Active pallbearers were Wayne Clifton, Roger Clifton Sr., Roger Clifton Jr., Wade Stalvey, Josh Gunter, and Seth Walton. Honorary pallbearers were Patrick Ward, Antonio Acosta, Jose Acosta, Jared Noland, Perry McKinney and Dewayne Manac. Officiating was the Rev. Donald Stalvey. W.G. Smith sang “Farther Along” and Gayle Infinger sang “The Anchor Holds.” Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.roundtreefuneralhome.net. — Roundtree Funeral Home.