Name: Visitation for Al "Smitty Witty" Smith
Start: 2018-05-25T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-05-25T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Hill-Watson Memorial Chapel at Rose Hill

Al "Smitty Witty"
Smith
July 6, 1941-
May 21, 2018
Columbus, GA- Mr. Al "Smitty Witty" Smith, Columbus, GA., entered into eternal rest Monday, May 21, 2018 at his residence. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Canaan Baptist Church 2835 Branton Woods Drive Columbus, GA with Bishop Ronald K. Harris officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park according to Hill-Watson Memorial Chapel at Rose Hill LLC 2919 Hamilton Road Columbus, GA. Visitation will be today, Friday May 25, 2018 at the funeral home from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. Mr. Smith was born July 6, 1941 to the late Banton Smith and the late Annie Sloan in Union Springs, Alabama. He worked at WOKS where he started as a DJ, " Handsome Smitty Witty", and later became Operations Manager at WOKS and FOXIE 105. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 34 years, Florence London, siblings Isaac Smith, Lenton Muhammad and Ramona Carey. He leaves to cherish his precious memories two devoted sons Albert (Yeterries) Smith and Darrell Smith (Shelia Carter); step-father James Wyche; brother, James (Gloria) Smith; sister-in-laws Lucille Hill and Eliza Bedell; brother-in law Tommy Hill; two grandchildren Kendaryl and Jasmine; two great-grandchildren, Kamariya and Kyle; a very dear friend, Rachel Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visit us online at www.hwmemorialchapel.com. Phone: (762) 524-7709.

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Published by Ledger-Enquirer on May 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Al Smith

Sponsored by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

21 Entries

Monrico Ward

December 4, 2023

Hello all!
I had the pleasure of listening to

Mr. Al "Handsome Handsome Handsome Smitty Witty" Smith, on WOKS, as a youth growing up in Columbus, GA, throughout the 1960´s.
Moved to Detroit, MI, 1972...had a layover in Atlanta 1981_ish; drove down to Columbus and met the now, Operations Manager, Al Smith! He took us on an impromptu station tour and played his wonderful DJ Theme Song!!! Personable, pleasant and most accommodating.
It was my pleasure to meet you, sir, as adult and listen to your playlist, as a youth...

Mary Sanders

July 8, 2018

He was a caring people, we were friends over 30 years, he will be missed

Rosemarie (Brown) Miller

June 9, 2018

I was so sad to hear the news about Smitty, my longtime friend. I "grew up" with Smitty starting in the late 60's in radio and instantly liked him! His smile was so big and his arms always open ready to give a hug! He was kind and gentle, always a true gentleman! Smitty knew my family and always welcomed them with open arms. What a beautiful soul! So glad I got to see him again after many years on one of my trips to Columbus. Albert and Daryl, it is my prayer you find peace and savor the memories of such a wonderful Dad and Father. Smitty, I will never forget you, my friend. Rest in peace. Love, "Bud"

Mrs. Victoria MANUEL Lester and husband Deacon Al Lester

May 29, 2018

To the Family of the belated, Mr. AL "SMITTY WITTY" Smith and Ms. Rachael Taylor

WE were saddened to learn of the recent passing of our beloved friend, Al Smith. We had the pleasure of meeting Al roughly 9 years old ago through a mutual friend of ours, Ms. Rachael Taylor. Although I, Victoria MANUEL Lester was born and raised in Columbus, GA, I moved to Atlanta, GA in 1976. I do recall the song on radio, "Handsome Smitty Witty." Having said this, when I first met Al while I was visiting Rachael for 3 days or so, immediately after telling Al i was from Columbus and my maiden name is MANUEL, he asked if I knew James Manuel, aka, Boosie Manuel and of course, i said "Yes, he's my oldest sibling." Al went on to share how he and my brother used to hang out back in the day around the Beallwood area. Suddenly, out of nowhere, I asked if he had a nickname. And, I could tell immediately "that Al was eager to let me know that he was the radio personality, "Handsome Smitty Witty." As a matter of fact, the next day while i was still visiting Rachael, Al brought over a tape that had his radio theme song "Handsome Smitty Witty on it and gave it to me." However, over the years when my husband, Deacon Al Lester and I would come to Columbus, mostly we stayed at Rachael's place. And when Al found out that my husband's name was Al, he got the biggest kick out of it. Letting me know that I was Blessed to be married to an Al. For those who truly knew Al knew that he loved to tease, cook fresh veggies and was an old school cook. I can remember telling Rachael to tell Al that I was coming home because Rachael had already told me he was cooking. To my welcome surprise, he hand-delivered a to-go plate with 2 fresh veggies, rice and gravy, meat, cornbread and a piece of his homemade sweet potatoe pie. Yes Sir, Smitty Witty coukd throw down in the kitchen.

Although I never met either of his sons, I have heard Al speak very highly of his sons and it was evident he loved them and was extremely proud of them. Before, i close, i would like to say that "Al Smith, aka, Smitty Witty was a. SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN. He always called Rachael, "Ms. Rachael" and would open the car door, both in and out. And always pulled her chair out for her when she was being seated. So does my husband and therefore I could certainly appreciate Al Smith being that SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN. We both consider it such an honor to have known Al Smith and finally, it was a pleasure to have him and Rachael visit us in our home about 6 years ago when we hosted our Annual Holiday Social for the evening along with 5 other couples during the Christmas Holiday.

Surely HEAVEN has gained a SOUTHERN ANGEL. REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE AL SMITH.

Freddy Perry

May 28, 2018

Dear Albert and Daryl.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this note after hearing about the loss of your father. He meant so much to the boys growing up in the neighborhood. "Brother Smith" was like a father to us all. He helped us with our first baseball field and mentored us, as well. His spirit will live on in each of us.We will miss him dearly.
Sincerely,
Freddy Perry and Family

Queen Spivey

May 26, 2018

HANDSOME SMITTY WITTY WAS AN AWESOME DJ THAT WAS NOT TOO BIG TO COME AND DJ IN A SMALL TOWN LIKE CUSSETA GEORGIA. MANY MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF THIS DJ THAT WAS WILLING TO HELP SMALL TOWN PEOPLE. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.

SHEREEN RENEE

May 26, 2018

Where would radio be without Handsome Smitty Smitty Witty. I grew up listening to this man on the radio and I gotta say he was the most MEMORABLE DJ I ever had the privilege of listening to ... brought us some of the biggest acts ever in the music industry. Thanks Mr. Smith. You will never be forgotten!

Marian Bishop

May 26, 2018

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Al and Darrell. Your dad was an instrumental part of historical Columbus, Ga. Your family are in our prayers. Rest In Peace Smith Witty.

Sandi Voyles

May 26, 2018

Oh Smitty - where have the years gone? Walking into the station with Rosie so very many years ago. You made it all so real so exciting so funny. I was just a young, naive, wide eyed brat. You were Smitty! and you stayed Just Smitty. Never grand and glorious - just Smitty. Rest easy oh true and faithful servant, you have earned your reward.

Raymond Jones Joseph

May 25, 2018

Thank you very much Smitty for all the susport that Florence and you gave to my son Kayin and myself during the loss of our Beloved Gwendolyn Scoot Joseph 26 years ago. Thank you for your work on and radio here in Columbus and throughout Georgia. You will be missed dearly, My Brother.

Lisa Seldon-Gordon

May 25, 2018

May God be with this family during this difficult time. Your father was loved by so many. The Seldon Family will miss his kind words, jokes, laughter, and childhood stories about the good old days he shared with my mom growing up in the same neighborhood. Thanks to your family for allowing us to be a part of his life.

Cunningham

May 25, 2018

To Darrell and the rest of the Smith family, I'd like to send my sincerest sympathy and condolences. Darrell, as you know I met your father through the music industry. He was indeed one of the most respected and well thought of men that worked in radio. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and was always great to talk to. We are going to miss him very much. May God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow and always.

Randy Givens.

May 25, 2018

Thoughts and Prayers for the Family...

Ervin Littleton

May 25, 2018

To the family of Al Smith(aka Smitty Witty). My sincere condolences to all of you. I don't know you all personally, but I recall a DJ on WOKS 1340 on the AM dial by the name of Handsome Smitty Witty. As a child growing up in Phenix City in the 60's, there was a jingle that we would hear on 1340 on the AM radio dial. All the kids around back then knew it and song it. It was Handsome, handsome, handsome Smitty, Handsome Smitty Smitty Witty, you know I'm talking bout Smitty, handsome Smitty Smitty Witty. He had music playing in the background when he song the jingle. Another piece of history, gone but not forgotten. I pray that God give you all the strength to endure this great loss.

Michael Soul Muhammad

May 25, 2018

Peace and blessings. May God cover and protect the entire family of a true gentleman, and leader. One of the most humble men I have ever met, the evidence of which is seen in his sons Albert and Darrell. I thank God for allowing me to meet and be inspired by such a man.

Jan Woodfin Drew

May 25, 2018

Albert and Darrell,
There are no words anyone cant say to take your pain and sorrow from you but I know you feel the love from all of us who loved tournament precious father. He was funny, compassionate, a hard worker and possessed may other characteristics that described him but being the father to you both was the thing he wasnt most proud of. You boys were his life and he and Ms. Florence raised two of the nicest, most respectful men who wouldnt make any father proud. Your Dad was one-of-a-kind and friend to many but to us, he wasnt family. Rest In Peace, Smitty. You were loved well youre whole life. ❤

Wayne Bishop

May 24, 2018

What a character...what a friend...what a daddy to his kids...what a loving man. I will miss you my friend...may you rest in Peace in God's Grace.

Art and Margaret Angell

May 24, 2018

Our heartfelt condolences to Albert and Darryl and all of Smittys family and friends. May God grant you strength and grace and peace during the upcoming days, weeks, and months of your grieving process. Smitty was truly one of a kind and he will be deeply missed by all of us whose lives he touched. Rest In Peace, Smitty, until we meet again...

Miranda Banks

May 24, 2018

Dear Albert and Darrell,
It is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences to your family. I will never forget the immense kindness that your dad showed me daily! I lovingly called him Uncle Smitty as he did fit that role for me. While I know coming to grips with the loss will not be an easy task, but reliving and remembering so many fun and happy memories should, I hope, make this incredible loss a little less painful.

May 24, 2018

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. May the memories of joy and laughter from a shared past, help carry you through your sorrow the peace that God provides guard your hearts. (Philippians 4:7) Love

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