George W. Smith

George W. Smith, 71, was received into heaven where love and grace abound. After an extended illness, he passed from this life Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at his family home in Jackson.

The fifth of nine children, he was born January 2, 1945, to George H. and Nellie M. Schreiner Smith, at the family home in Jackson.

George was a 1963 graduate of Jackson High School and maintained a paper route several years in east Jackson. He was a longtime member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson, previously serving as an usher.

In 1963, he became employed at the former International Shoe Factory in Jackson and worked there until it's closing in 1988. He then worked at Rubbermaid in Jackson, retiring in 2005 due to health concerns.

George was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to classical music. He was a generous man with the heart of a servant, and was always willing to help his family. Though he didn't have children of his own, he spoiled many nieces and nephews, all who looked up to their Uncle George.

Loving survivors include four siblings, Dean (Joyce) Smith of Chaffee, Missouri, Laura Jo Smith and Kim Martin of Jackson, Mark Smith (fiancé Linda Elkin) of St. Louis; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved cat, Leo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four siblings, Bob, Dale, and Charles Smith, and Jean Shepherd

Friends may call Saturday, August 20, 2016, from 1 p.m. to service time, at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be Saturday, August 20, 2016, at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Nancy Smith officiating.

Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Safe Harbor Animal Shelter or donor's choice of church or charity.