Gregory Edward Smithey

Gregory “Greg” Edward Smithey, 69, husband, the BEST Daddy ever, and amazing Grand-da tragically passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023. He is now in the arms of Jesus and holding his son, Jonathan Gregory, again. To know him was to love him and he loved you back so hard. Greg was the hardest working man his family knew and would work circles around the best of them.

Greg was born in Savannah, Georgia on January 20, 1954, to Melvin E. Smithey and Rose Belk Rahn. He was a member of First Baptist Church Rincon and a member of The Encourager’s Sunday School Class. Known as a talented welder and the best salesman out there-Greg could sell ice to an Eskimo. During his life, Greg owned and operated several businesses including two gas stations in Rincon, Smithey’s Auto Sales, Smithey’s Wrecker Service, and his latest venture “Grand-da’s One Stop Shop”. He was old-fashioned, where a handshake meant more than any piece of paper and your word defined your integrity-both of which he was famous for. Greg would give the strongest and firmest handshake that would make a grown man wince and his exceptional integrity spoke volumes.

In his free time, Greg loved rebuilding antique cars from the ground up, sparing no expense which sometimes kept him in the doghouse with Ma, but his philosophy was “It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission” and sometimes he asked for neither. He was a very strong willed and determined man who would always find a way, especially if it was something for his family. He loved helping people and thrived the most when he was in a wrecker, doing what he loved.

Greg's love for his family was immeasurable and knew no limits. He was a jokester and liked to pick on the ones that he loved and you really knew you were loved if he gave you a personalized nickname that only he could come up with (Ma- aka “Bevo”, Alicia-aka “Chop”, Rebecca-aka “Beck”, Jeremy-aka “Frog”, Makayla-aka “My Mak”, Reagan-aka “My Reagy-Bug”, and Paisley-aka “My Miss P”, and Brett aka “Hank”. He fought and overcame so many battles that were thrown his way, in “Greg” fashion-with no complaining, a little joking, and lots of faith. He loved his western shirts, jackets, and especially western boots(another one of those no permission or forgiveness situations). He was a great storyteller and always kept his family entertained. He will be missed more than words can ever explain and was loved even more.

He is preceded in death by his son, Jonathan Gregory Smithey; father, Melvin E. Smithey; sister, Theresa K. Smithey; and mother and father-in-law, James and Mary Sapp, who treated him like their own.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 ½ years who loved him, never left his side and cared for him day in and day out, Beverly Sapp Smithey; daughters, Alicia Dianna Smithey and Rebecca Smithey Zeigler who loved and adored him more than he will ever comprehend; son-in-law, Jeremy Brian Zeigler, whom he considered his son and loved spending time with; granddaughters whose hero he was, Makayla Madison Zeigler, Reagan Mackenzie Zeigler, and Paisley Grace Smithey. He is also survived by his son, Jamey E. Smithey (Melissa) and grandsons, Alex, Tyler, Dillon, Gavin, and Palmer; mother, Rose Belk Rahn, and  many special friends and family that he loved so dearly.

Visitation will be held at Carlson & Riggs Funeral Home (1979 GA-119 S, Guyton) on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 4pm-7pm. A  funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church Rincon (201 E. 6th St., Rincon) on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 10am with burial to follow at Goshen Cemetery (6227 GA-21, Rincon).

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to The Baptist Church at Ebenezer, 2401 Ebenezer Road, Rincon, GA 31326 for their rebuild.