Rev. J. T. Smith

CORDELE - Rev. J. T. Smith, age 88, passed away Sunday morning, January 4, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving wife and sons. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Hughes and Wright Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
J. T. was born in Crisp County, Georgia, to the late Roscoe C. Smith and Ruby Estelle Lively Smith. A retired farmer and devoted minister, he was ordained into the ministry on October 28, 1979. He was a faithful member of Zion Hill Baptist Church and faithfully served the congregations of Zion Hill Baptist Church, Omar Heights Baptist Church, and Antioch Baptist Church in Wilcox County.
J. T. enjoyed hunting and fishing for as long as his health permitted. Known as a hardworking man, he took great pride in providing for his family, whom he dearly loved, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Above all, he was devoted to his Lord and Savior and spent much of his time studying the Bible.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Betty M. Smith of Cordele; his sons and daughters-in-law, James P. Smith (Pat), Eric Smith (Vickie), Bruce Smith (Kimberly), and Brian Smith (Ronda), all of Cordele; his sister, Betty Morrison of Cordele; his grandchildren, Zachary Smith, Clayton Smith, J. P. Smith, Chris Smith, Luke Smith, and Landon Smith, Hunter Smith and Alissa Smith; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his chosen brother, Freddie Denham of Cordele.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Shriners Children's, Attn: Shriners Children's Processing Center, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Crisp Regional Hospice for their attentive care, compassion, and dedication shown to J. T. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hughesandwright.com. Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.